Japanese knotweed can quickly spread, damaging properties to such an extent that banks have refused mortgage applications on severely affected homes. Here’s everything you need to know about this notoriously invasive plant – and how to get rid of it
The notoriously invasive Japanese knotweed is enough to send shivers down the spine of any homeowner.
Not only can it spread incredibly rapidly, it can also cause untold damage to your property – not to mention be exceedingly difficult and expensive to get rid of once your home is affected. Homeowners need to be particularly wary, as even the slightest presence of Japanese knotweed in the garden can deter potential future buyers – and even lead to banks refusing a mortgage application.
Its rampant growth means it’s actually an offence to cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild, either through fly-tipping or allowing the plant to escape from your garden.
So let’s have a look at exactly what it is, how to spot it, how to get rid of it – and what to do if it’s on your land.