In this article, we outline the problems associated with Japanese knotweed and bamboo as well as the legal options a property owner may have to consider. So why is it such a problem? Japanese knotweed can grow up to 10cm per day, and because of this rapacious growth, it has been known to cause damage to building structures and substructures by targeting weak points, such as cracks in masonry, and attempting to grow through them. Home. Rapid Growth and Spread Get in Touch. The risk of structural damage in combination with the loss of quiet enjoyment (loss of amenity use) caused by Japanese knotweed to a property can diminish its value. Before prosecution, however, landowners with a Japanese knotweed problem will be given the opportunity to address the issue. Why is Japanese knotweed such a big problem? But Japanese knotweed's beauty belies the fact it has become the scourge of British homeowners. Why is Japanese knotweed a problem? By RICS Digital. Whilst the destructive potential of Japanese knotweed has been exaggerated by some journalists and removal companies, the plant can nevertheless prove to be a nuisance for homeowners, landlords and farmers alike. Why has Japanese knotweed become such a problem? Apart from the fact that Japanese knotweed can cause severe damage to your property, it can also affect the ability to sell your home, obtain a mortgage or property insurance. Identify Japanese knotweed. Since its introduction to the UK, Japanese knotweed has impacted on the UKs eco-systems and caused damage to buildings, walls, hard standing, drainage systems and flood defences. The blight of Knotweed has and is causing huge problems throughout the UK. As well as destroying concrete foundations, it can … Thu, 10/05/2017 - 11:00. Why is Japanese knotweed a problem to property? It should also highlight any liabilities associated with the property. Why Japanese Knotweed is Such a Problem. What is Japanese Knotweed and why is it such a problem? Japanese Knotweed FAQs. One of the main problems is that these roots can get into weak spots or cracks in your building foundations causing damage. Japanese knotweed is a rapidly growing invasive species which causes numerous problems including structural damage to properties. Why is it a problem? The problem with Japanese Knotweed is that it can sprout from as little as 2mm of rhizome, meaning it is classed as “controlled waste” under the Environmental Protection Act of 1990 and must only be disposed of into licensed landfill sites to stop further spread. Japanese knotweed can grow very quickly, and because of this rapacious growth, it has been known to cause damage to building structures and substructures by targeting weak points, such as cracks in masonry, and attempting to grow through them. Japanese knotweed is so strong that it’s been known to grow through pipes, brickwork, roads, and concrete. In its native Japanese volcanic landscape, the climate and regular deposits of ash would keep knotweed plants … Because Japanese knotweed grows so fast, it can quickly find its way into structures – if there’s a crack in your wall it can push in and create further structural issues as it continues to grow. Costs – Japanese knotweed costs Great Britain an estimated £165m every year (Williams et al 2010) and the cost of eradication, were it to be attempted UK-wide, could be more than £1.56 billion. Japanese knotweed can grow up to 10 centimetres a day during the summer months and is so aggressive that it can grow through faults in pipes and brickwork, as well as voids in tarmac and concrete, thereby causing damage to buildings, roads, driveways and gardens. More. Contact us. Why Japanese knotweed is a problem. Based in Ballynahinch, County Down. It is believed that Japanese Knotweed costs the UK an estimated £1.5 billion per year in treatment and removal. Japanese Knotweed is an unknown danger in the UK. Why is Japanese Knotweed a Problem? a_samuel_contracts@outlook.com. Why is it a problem? It’s even been known to force its way through concrete foundations. Over there, it's just another plant. Damages Foundations. Call 0845 166 2629 and see why our clients love their case management. It is the fastest growing in the UK. Japanese knotweed is "indisputably the UK's most aggressive, destructive and invasive plant", says the Environment Agency. It can grow almost anywhere and causes serious problems, including loss of native plant species, structural damage (it can grow through asphalt and some other surfaces), reduction in land values and difficulty in obtaining mortgages. Prevent spread of Japanese knotweed. If you sell at an auction you’ll still need to declare the Japanese Knotweed in the legal pack. It colonises and kills the habitat it grows in and can damage asphalt, lamp posts and buildings. Japanese knotweed Japanese knotweed is an invasive species of plant which spreads rapidly and overwhelms other plants. Growing up to a metre a month, it can push through tarmac and concrete. For more information on how to deal with your Japanese Knotweed problem, contact Adam at The Grounds Care Group on 0800 122 3326 or info@thegroundscaregroup.co.uk. The Law Society's TA6 Property Information Form is a document that you have to complete when selling a property. Lowers Property Value. The plant is a non-native species to the UK. Japanese knotweed (Fallopia Japonica) is an herbaceous perennial, native to Japan, where it is thought to have evolved as a first-coloniser of post-volcanic soils. Japanese Knotweed is typically known for colonising volcanoes in Japan and is now known to be a significant problem across the country. The Grounds Care Group is a specialist grounds maintenance contractor offering professional services including grounds maintenance, gritting and snow clearance, small works, site … Why is it such a problem? 07967594762 Samuel Contracts - Japanese Knotweed Treatment. Japanese knotweed, also known as Japanese bamboo, is an invasive non-native species of plant. Why is Japanese Knotweed such a problem? Why is Japanese knotweed a problem? Why is Japanese Knotweed a problem in the UK and Ireland? a_samuel_contracts@outlook.com. Japanese knotweed is a large, extremely fast growing herbaceous perennial plant which is native to East Asia. When Victorian engineers were designing our railways, they imported Japanese Knotweed into Britain to hide, or possibly even stabilise, railway embankments. About The Grounds Care Group. When disturbed, the plant can grow very quickly and its roots spread extensively. This means it’s capable of causing damage to buildings, driveways, and gardens – all of which contribute to the overall value of a property. If the property has Japanese knotweed will I be able to get a mortgage? It grows at a ridiculous rate, is near-impossible to get rid of and has ruined house sales - … Part of our Japanese Knotweed Removal Guide.Click to see more answers to your questions. 9 out of 10 clients say we do a great job. Any attempts to remove Knotweed should therefore be carried out by licensed professionals. Japanese knotweed. If Japanese knotweed is discovered within 7m of your property, it can affect property prices. The invasive nature of the knotweed will soon becomes apparent once it has been identified. Gallery. As seen in the video snippet above, the threat of damage from Japanese Knotweed has seen a number of mortgage companies refusing to lend on properties that are affected by Japanese Knotweed. Japanese knotweed management plans can be produced, which will look to determine the extent of the knotweed, its probable origin and extent of affected soil. Japan's ecosystem is very different to that of Great Britain. In theory, most parts of the plant above ground could also potentially regenerate, but the risk is much higher with the parts of the plant closest to the ground. Japanese knotweed management can be a real struggle. Many people are unaware of the damage an untreated area of this plant can do to property, riverbanks, pavements and roads. Knotweed? Japanese knotweed and property prices. How is it spread? You must prevent Japanese knotweed on … Why is Japanese knotweed a problem? Get In Touch. … Although it is not toxic in any way, it’s a poor wildlife habitat for our native insects, birds and mammals. Without the natural brake on its spread, found in its native environment, it has taken on an invasive nature. Well, actually, no - Japanese knotweed isn't a big problem in Japan at all. The Japanese Knotweed Problem; Request a demo [contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"] About to leave? Why isn't Japanese knotweed a problem in Japan? Japanese Knotweed will grow anywhere! It was introduced to the UK in the 1800’s as an ornamental plant. Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) appears differently throughout each of the four seasons, meaning it can be a constant thorn in a homeowner’s side. These methods include a range of options from herbicide application to root-proof membranes and excavation. Why is Japanese knotweed a problem? Since its introduction to the UK during the 19th century the spread of the plant has earned it the title of the UK’s most invasive plant. Bristol is a hotspot in Britain for infestations of the destructive plant Japanese knotweed, a tracking tool has revealed. Japanese knotweed can produce seeds, but it is rare for these seeds to … Japanese knotweed is one of the most damaging invasive weeds in the UK, Europe and North America. The TA6 form includes questions on everything from insurance to parking arrangements. In fact, Japanese Knotweed is no worse for buildings than a tree or any other shrub growing nearby. It can also affect your ability to sell your property. The roots of the plant can extend to 3 metres deep and many metres … In its native environment it is heavily eaten by insects, losing approximately 40% of it leaf cover each year. The seller fills out the TA6 form to give the buyer detailed information about the property they are about to purchase. Japanese knotweed can spread from tiny fragments – a piece of root as small as 0.7g has the potential to grow into a new plant. Local Authorities are also refusing planning permission to infested areas. Why Japanese knotweed damage is a problem for mortgages. Before you leave, why not call and try us for yourself? Why is Japanese knotweed a problem? How to identify Japanese knotweed.. Any site specific restraints will be taken into account which may affect the treatment options for dealing with the knotweed. Knotweed coming out of a building. Ways to successfully sell your house with a Japanese Knotweed problem and without having to cure it first include selling it at auction or selling it direct to a cash buyer. Knot a Problem. Japanese Knotweed is widely recognised as one of the most prolific species to be introduced into the UK and as such, requires specialist methods to control it. Is Japanese Knotweed really a problem for home owners? ... Japanese Knotweed is not the demon plant that can shatter concrete and undermine buildings that everyone believes, according to new research. As a homeowner, why should I be worried about Japanese knotweed? 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