Japanese knotweed is known to be the most common invasive plant in the UK, according to Gov.uk. It is native to Japan and tends to grow in well-soiled conditions, often found along rivers and streams or where the moisture is the most extreme. Due to its persistence, rapid growth and spread, it has caused havoc around the UK. It’s famous for growing through any foundations, finding its way through cracks and completely taking over landscapes.
What’s more, Japanese knotweed is incredibly difficult to get rid of without any professional help which is why it has become such a nuisance for many households. It could create serious damage to both your property structure and value. Many mortgage lenders will have a problem or will simply refuse to give you a loan on your mortgage if there is Japanese knotweed present on or around your property. That is why here at We Buy Any House, we have compiled some information on how having this invasive plant on your property could cause you problems and how to remove it for good.
Why Is It an Issue When Selling Your Property?
As already mentioned, the Japanese knotweed can spread rapidly and it tends to be really difficult to kill as well which is why it has had a disastrous effect on the value of households. Lenders are normally reluctant to offer finance to people seeking a mortgage if the plant has affected or is even present on the property land because in the long run it can cause serious structural damage. Its strong root system can easily destroy foundations and drainage systems as well as interfere with the healthy growth of other plants. It is now considered a criminal offence to either plant Japanese knotweed or even let it spread beyond your property and into the wild.
Because it is so difficult to completely eradicate and it sometimes requires professional assistance, the value of a home will massively drop and it will cause nuisance when you decide to sell your house. It’s important that you are responsive and transparent about it when communicating with your mortgage lender.
Ways of Eliminating It Permanently
First and foremost, you must begin as soon as possible. Do not wait around for it to spread and cause more issues. As soon as you identify it, make sure you do your research about how to deal with it the right way, following all legal requirements and advice. There are organisations which have established themselves as the nation’s leading experts in eradicating Japanese knotweed such as Environet or TP Knotweed Solutions. They can ensure you and your mortgage lender that the situation is under control if you are trying to sell your property.
One way of removing Japanese knotweed is with herbicides which is known as the control method. Many mortgage lenders will only loan you money if you have proof of having a professional chemical treatment done even though it is more effective on immature plants rather than the mature rhizomes which makes it hard to permanently eradicate the knotweed. It’s causing a state of dormancy rather than death. That is why some people are seeking further help with their persistent resident plant.
Another way which could ensure the permanent death of the Japanese knotweed is by physical removal. One of the first things people opt for is digging out the whole rhizome system from the ground until there is nothing left. This could end up being more difficult than you can imagine as the roots tend to go really deep. What’s more, as it spreads rapidly it’s vital that you are quick as well because if you don’t finish it within a day there’s a good chance more roots are going to grow and spread.
There is no scientific proof backing some methods like burning it, using vinegar or bleach for its removal. While there may be some cases where it has helped, it hasn’t been approved by any government agency or professional organisation specializing in Japanese knotweed removal.
It’s often found that a combination of things can be the most effective approach to eradicating this pervasive plant. Physical removal of the root system followed by some professional chemical treatment would probably do the job. It is recommended that you monitor the knotweed afterwards until you are sure it will not come back. Also, professional agencies suggest a second treatment with chemicals in 6 months after the first one in order to ensure its complete eradication.
No matter how big or small the spread of the Japanese knotweed is, its removal can be a lengthy process and take years to completely get rid of. If you start as soon as you identify it, do your research and reach out to a professionals for help, with consistency and persistence you can outsmart this pervasive plant and eliminate it from your home for good.
This article was written by a quick house sale company We Buy Any House. If you are wondering “how can get a free online house valuation?”, head to the We Buy Any House website for more information relating to all property related enquiries.