Homeowners urged to check 1 garden plant that could cost £30,000 in damages
Japanese Knotweed is a highly invasive plant with aggressive roots that can destroy foundations, patios, and drainage pipes. An estimated 1.5 million homes in the UK are currently affected by the species. These plants have been blamed for “wrecking homes”, “slashing property values” and being “almost impossible to kill”.
TL;DR
- Japanese Knotweed's aggressive roots can damage foundations, patios, and drainage pipes.
- An estimated 1.5 million homes in the UK are affected, leading to property value reduction and sale difficulties.
- The plant's fast-growing rhizomes and regenerative properties make it difficult to control and potentially cause up to £30,000 in damages.
- Identification involves looking for red buds, green shoots with purple spots, large shovel-shaped leaves, and small white flowers.
- A "7-metre rule" suggests flagging knotweed within this distance of a property as a potential risk.
- Professional surveyors can assess risk and provide guidance on necessary steps.