WHAT IS JAPANESE KNOTWEED?
Our solicitors have been bringing claims in relation to Japanese knotweed for longer than any other lawyers in the country.
What Is Knotweed?
Japanese knotweed is one of the world’s most invasive, destructive and resilient species of plant.
Japanese knotweed is a member of the Polygonaceae family. It has hollow stems with distinct raised nodes that give it the appearance of bamboo, though it is not closely related. While stems may reach a maximum height of 3–4m each growing season, it is typical to see much smaller plants in places where they sprout through cracks in the pavement or are repeatedly cut down. The leaves are broad oval with a truncated base, 7–14 cm long and 5–12 cm wide.
Why Is Knotweed A Problem?
Knotweed can cause a lot of problems for property owners:
Problems with selling your house – most mortgage lenders will not lend on properties with Japanese knotweed, or where Japanese knotweed has been identified nearby, usually within 7 metres of the property. There is also significant stigma associated with Japanese knotweed which often makes potential purchasers unwilling to buy property that is, or has been, affected by Japanese knotweed.
Damage to your house – the plant’s invasive root system and strong growth can damage concrete foundations, buildings, roads, paving and retaining walls.
Potential liability – if the Japanese knotweed spreads from your property to another, the owner of that property could be entitled to damages from you.
Where Japanese knotweed is identified on a property most banks/building societies will not lend unless there is a treatment programme in place which is backed-up by a guarantee. This can be expensive and delay or frustrate a sale.
How To Identify & Treat Japanese Knotweed
We have compiled some links from other experts on Knotweed to help you identify and treat the plant.
How to treat and control knotweed:
Read more of our Expert’s advice on all aspects of Japanese Knotweed law below:
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