Like most websites we use cookies. It is when a plant is introduced to a new setting without these pests and diseases that they … In order to ensure that the advice and management you contract is reliable and recognised by mortgage lenders and other relevant agencies, you should contact a company which is a member of the Invasive Weed Control Group of the Property Care Association. In order to meet the requirements of the mortgage lender the plan and its execution need to be undertaken by a member of a recognised trade association such as the Property Care Association. It is native to East Asia in Japan, China and Korea. But it holds the title of the UK's most invasive plant and has become the subject of horror stories. Continuing to use www.cabi.org  Why is Japanese knotweed such a problem? The Japanese Knotweed Problem With its red stems and dark green leaves, it is an attractive plant, however, it has become the blight of British homeowners. Japanese knotweed causes problems in gardens owing to its invasive nature and its habit of out-competing all plants growing nearby. Dealing with the problem of Japanese knotweed on next door’s land. Glyphosate has a remarkably low toxicity to humans and other animals and it becomes inactivated, effectively harmless, on contact with soil. This would contravene the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). The property will be monitored for regrowth for the following two years and if still no regrowth, the property will be declared free of Japanese knotweed. Over the winter the plant dies back leaving tall brown canes but as a perennial plant its top growth is renewed each year from the rhizomes which can spread relentlessly. Japanese knotweed is one of a number of invasive plants that can cause problems to your property: What are the problems caused by Japanese knotweed? However, it’s also a problem in the wild. Concrete – It may be strong but not even Japanese Knotweed can grow through concrete. It would however be advisable to take measures to eradicate the plant, but there are no regulations forcing you to do so. Not only does the presence of Japanese JK Injection Tools is a company that has worked on the problem of making herbicide injection a practical method for removing Japanese knotweed. Japanese Knotweed grows in a wide range of habitats including riparian areas, wetlands, roadsides, ditches, utility right of ways and fence lines. You must prevent Japanese knotweed on … This, combined with its zombie-like refusal to die, has made it into a … When growing adjacent to built structures such as walls and buildings, the rhizome can damage structures exploiting cracks and weaknesses as the rhizome system expands. In some instances, Japanese knotweed can have been introduced to or spread along a number of properties. How to identify Japanese knotweed.. On summary conviction, an individual would be liable to a level 4 fine. Such control methods, relying mainly on chemicals, are widely considered to be unsustainable and so a longer-term and cost effective and more environmentally friendly solution to the problem is required. Asked July 15, 2020, 5:40 PM EDT. Minimise the risk of your property being invaded. Dug up or cut down and then removed the plant from your property. Japanese Knotweed Mortgage Problems Homeowners can find the value of their properties severely decrease and their properties become hard to sell should they be affected by Japanese Knotweed as potential buyers are often unable to obtain a mortgage on a Japanese Knotweed infested property. “PCA®” and the PCA logo are registered trademarks of the Property Care Association. Dense summer foliage causes heavy shading of small streams, which reduces aquatic plant communities. A decade ago, many lenders were unwilling to lend on a property where evidence of Japanese knotweed was found, ‘on the basis that it was proving too difficult to quantify the risk to the lender’. This can range from checking that you have correctly identified the plant as Japanese knotweed through to drawing up and implementing a Japanese knotweed management plan. It is commonly known as Asian knotweed or Japanese knotweed. When disturbed, the plant can grow very quickly and its roots spread extensively. There are only female plants in Britain, so no viable seeds are produced. Now recognised as one of the most problematic weeds … Basically, if water can drain down into it, Japanese knotweed can grow up through it. Along with other features such as damp and structural defects, surveyors will take the risk of damage from Japanese knotweed rhizome into account in their assessment of a property. The mortgage lenders recognise the standards and professionalism of such a trade association along with the assurance that comes with their work. Why is Japanese Knotweed a problem? Share. This could include allowing the plant to spread from your property into the neighbouring land by its rhizomes extending underground into the adjacent land. While you may be able to describe your garden and the … Japanese knotweed is one of a number of invasive plants that can cause problems to your property: It’s a large clump-forming plant, which grows up to 3m tall, with light green shield-shaped leaves with a flattened base, approximately 10-15cm long. Japanese knotweed has to be removed from the 2012 Olympic site in east London. This is to ensure that we give you the best experience possible. You can have Japanese knotweed growing on your property and, unless required to do so under a Community Protection Notice (see below), there is no requirement to take any action to deal with it. It requires constant maintenance to prevent it taking over an entire garden, and is extremely difficult (and therefore expensive) to eradicate entirely. Recent studies led by the CABI team in Switzerland have proved that knotweed areas suffer reduced species diversity. The stem is … The problem. Consulting and contracting an expert Achieving collaboration in such a case is more challenging and it would be advisable to take expert advice from the Japanese knotweed specialist. A site assessment, in person, by an expert. Japanese knotweed is a notorious non-native species in the UK, and elsewhere in Europe and North America. Designed & Developed by Design Monkey - Cambridge Website Design, Content Copyright © 2020 Property Care Association - All rights reserved. If you disposed of it elsewhere, you would have contravened the Environmental Protection Act 1990. check that any soil brought onto your property is guaranteed to be Japanese knotweed free. Asphalt, patio slabs, driveway block paving will pose no problem to Japanese Knotweed on its unstoppable quest for light. … 5596488. PE29 6FY, Email: pca@property-care.org Just like alien invasive species, Japanese Knotweed poses a host of problems that add up to significant environmental and economic impact. It can be known to grow as much as 10cm in a single day. More recently it has become a problem with home buyers and homeowners because certain lenders are denying mortgages due to the presence of Japanese knotweed. How to avoid problems with Japanese knotweed and keep it out! Business. Scientists found that antibiotics over … Call: 01480 400000 It can seriously damage buildings and construction sites if left unchecked. | Programming Copyright © 2020 London Webmasters - All rights reserved | Legal Information and Disclaimer, A Guide to the Problems Caused by Japanese knotweed, PCA Surveyor Training for Property Professionals, Surveyor training: Timber & dampness remedial treatments, Legal Aspects – Waterproofing Surveying & Report Writing, Management of Japanese knotweed for surveyors, Evaluating Ventilation in Existing Buildings, PCA Technician Training for Property Professionals, Technician Training – Structural Waterproofing, Alternative Repair Strategies for Traditional Buildings, Condensation and Atmospheric Moisture Management in Buildings, Contracting and Client Relationship Workshop, Ground-Gas Protection: Installation & Verification, Safe Use of Biocides for Professional Users, Understanding Traditional Building Construction Principles, Training and Examinations- Terms and Conditions, How the Apprenticeship Scheme is Structured, Apprenticeship Scheme Damp & Timber Intake Dates, Surveyor & Consultant Membership Information, Invasive Weed Contractor’s Application Pack, Flood Protection Membership – Application Pack, Video Case Study: flood protection & resilience, Video: 10 steps to successful structural waterproofing projects, Logo Abuse/false claims of membership or qualifications. Copyright © 2020 CABI. Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica / Fallopia japonica) is the most common species of the plant found in the UK, however, it has been known to hybridise with related species. Under the provisions made within Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild.   It prefers sunny, moist areas, including riverbanks, roadsides, lawns, and gardens. Why is that such a problem? Japanese knotweed is not native to Europe and was introduced to the UK without its natural enemies. Safety – Knotweed is capable of obscuring railway signals and road signs as well as causing trip hazards in paving. Other underground infrastructures are at risk, such as cabling and water pipes. means you agree to our use of cookies. Business Park An organisation, such as a company, is liable to a fine not exceeding £20,000. 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