HOMEOWNERS across the UK are warned to be on the lookout for an invasive plant in their gardens.
Recent weather has created ideal conditions for “super growth” this month and gardeners are urged to be vigilant.
AlamyHomeowners across the UK are warned to be on the lookout for an invasive plant in their gardens.[/caption]
GettyFinding it on your property can quickly turn into a costly nightmare that can stop you being able to sell your home or get a mortgage[/caption]
Japanese Knotweed grows quickly and can cause damage to buildings, plus it’s extremely difficult to eradicate.
Finding it on your property can quickly turn into a costly nightmare that can stop you being able to sell your home or get a mortgage.
Rain has returned to the UK recently after a prolonged dry spell, resulting in a combination of warm soil and wet weather.
Sold property expert Terry Fisher warned: “These conditions can result in “growth spurts” for the invasive plant which can cause a plethora of problems for homeowners.
Mr Fisher continued: “We’ve been basking in the glorious sunshine, but now the rain has made an epic return.
“This combination of wet and warm creates the ideal conditions for Japanese knotweed to thrive and even go into a super growth.
“Meaning homeowners might unearth a beast in their gardens this spring,” reported The Argus.
What does Japanese Knotweed look like?
Japanese Knotweed can grow at up to 10cm a day in the summer and reach up to 7ft high.
Gardening expert, Kendal Platt, who runs Adventures with Flowers, said: “The shoots look similar to bamboo shoots growing 2- 3metres tall.
“They are hollow and coloured red in the Spring and turn green in the summer.
“Their leaves which appear in Spring are shield or heart-shaped with a pointed tip and grow at staggered intervals along the length of the shoots.
“They can grow up to 20cm long and die back in winter leaving just the brown dead looking canes above ground.
They further explained that the flowers appear in late summer as bunches of creamy white flowers growing in amongst the leaves.
HOW TO SPOT A JAPANESE KNOTWEED
HOW to spot Japanese Knotweed and what to do if you find it.
GARDENING expert, Kendal Platt, who runs Adventures with Flowers, said: “Japanese knotweed shoots look similar to bamboo shoots growing 2- 3metres tall”.
They are hollow and coloured red in the Spring and turn green in the summer.
Their leaves which appear in Spring are shield or heart-shaped with a pointed tip and grow at staggered intervals along the length of the shoots.
They can grow up to 20cm long and die back in winter leaving just the brown dead looking canes above ground.
The flowers appear in late summer as bunches of creamy white flowers growing in amongst the leaves.
It spreads through its rhizomes (underground root system) which are dark brown on the outside and orange on the inside.
They can burrow up to 3 metres under ground causing damage to buildings and break easily, so can be hard to remove completely.
If you find it in your garden it’s important to call in a specialist Japanese Knotweed removal company.
They use a glyphosate based herbicide which when injected into the plant at the right time of year can kill it.
It may take a few years of repeated application to eradicate the plant completely from your property which is why many removal companies recommend a glyphosate treatment programme over a number of years.
How to remove Japanese knotweed
Japanese knotweed, which was introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant in the nineteenth century, can only be removed with costly specialist treatment.
Mr Fisher said: “Avoid attempting a DIY removal as you could accidentally spread it further.
“It requires a multi-pronged approach, often involving herbicides and potentially excavation, depending on the extent of the infestation.
“This is all best left to the professionals.”
Mr Fisher continued: “Your neighbours can seek compensation if it breaches onto their land, and you can be fined if it starts to grow in the wild.
“Whatever the case, homeowners need to act quickly if any signs of Japanese knotweed appear.”
Legal Issues
When selling a home, vendors are legally required to disclose if a property is, or ever has been, affected by Japanese knotweed.
Surveyors also have a legal obligation to look for it as part of their report.
Mr Fisher added: “If you’re buying a house and a survey flags that a property has Japanese knotweed, you could negotiate the price or ensure the seller treats the plant before the sale goes through.
“But after that, it’s your job to keep an eye on your garden for any signs of the plant returning.
The warmer weather can also bring a feeling of mild panic to gardeners.
Whether it is worry about having planted enough seeds or what do to with all the overgrown bits.
But we have lots of June jobs to get you organised in the garden.
This month is also the ideal time to plant certain plants, vegetables and fruits.
That’s why Sean Lade, a gardening expert has revealed some of the best things to plant right now.
And if you have weeds on your patio here’s a 30p trick that will blitz them for good – and it’s safe for your garden.
Also, The Range is selling a charming £2.99 buy to brighten up your garden that will add a touch of whimsy to your summer parties.
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