Japanese Knotweed
In recent years, Japanese Knotweed has had environmental factors control its growth. Also known as JKW, this plant can grow up to 10cm per day.
Although the plant, when significantly overgrown, can begin to infiltrate piling metal, damaged tarmac and brickwork it is never a severe risk to the structure and preservation of your home.
We have never witnessed significant structural damage by Japanese Knotweed, but the social media hype surrounding this plant has certainly caused a rise in concerns for homeowners and increased complaints brought against surveyors regarding the presence of the plant.
To assure that Mortgage Companies will offer to lend on the property when it comes to selling your home, it could be important that you put a strong treatment plan in place.
As there remains a perceived risk around the presence of a Japanese Knotweed, we maintain the importance of having a separate specialist investigate and provide a report which will confirm that there is no Japanese Knotweed.
Doing this will also assure that you are provided with indemnity insurance from your legal advisor to cover you, should the plant ever begin to grow again.
How To Identify Japanese Knotweed
During the cold winter months, the Japanese Knotweed can be recognised by its zig-zag-shaped stem, as opposed to the summer months when this plant is more commonly recognised by its unique spade or heart-shaped leaf.
You should always contact a specialist if you suspect you have Japanese Knotweed, as homeowners can tend to mistake it for shrubs, bamboo and trees.
This is because they are difficult to distinguish with their ever-changing appearance through different seasons. In late summer, you will begin to see clusters of light cream flowers appear across the several meters of length they grow.
Removing Japanese Knotweed
As this plant is classified as controlled waste, there is a requirement by the Environment Protection Act (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991, for it to be removed by a licensed waste carrier.
Different mortgage lenders have their requirements of what action should be taken on a property that contains Japanese Knotweed. So it is important that when you are purchasing a new property, a removal plan and guarantee are in place to assure there are no issues with securing a mortgage.
Beware Of The Financial Risk Of Japanese Knotweed
If we suspect the presence of Japanese Knotweed or that one may have been cut back by an amateur, to assure you are aware of the cost implications of purchasing a property with the potential presence of a Japanese knotweed, we will recommend that you obtain a specialist Japanese knotweed survey by a local Property Care Association expert before an exchange of contracts.
If we don’t see the plant at the time of the inspection, we strongly encourage you to seek the professional advice of a specialist. By obtaining a report from them which confirms no presence of a Knotweed, you will be qualified for indemnity cover which will insure you against potential losses in the future.