Japanese Knotweed – What is It?

Japanese knotweed can grow to 3-4m in just 10 weeks.  Underground, its roots can spread 7m horizontally.

If there are gaps in between slabs or cracks in concrete, knotweed can grow into these gaps, meaning it has the potential to damage fences and outbuildings.

Knotweed cases have surged by a whopping 28 percent in the UK in the last five years, with 10 counties across the UK experiencing the largest growth.

Over the last five years, South Yorkshire has seen the most confirmed live cases with a more than 77 percent increase in the past five years.

South Yorkshire was followed by Hampshire, West Sussex, Kent and Powys.

In the last five years, the national average of confirmed cases has soared to a 27.91 percent increase. – Source – Article in express.co.uk

How to detect Japanese knotweed?

The 3 details you must know what Japanese knotweed plant looks like are:

1. Creamy white coloured flowers in summer.  Flowers appear in mid to late summer.

2. Zig-zag growth pattern, lush green leaves with a pointed tip and red/purple flecks. There is a distinctive zig zag positioning of the leaves on the stem of the plant. 

3. Hollow and bamboo like red stems.

Is your property affected by Japanese knotweed?

If Japanese knotweed has spread onto your property from neighbouring land as a result of a failure to control the knotweed, you could be entitled to make a claim.

The owner of the neighbouring property could be responsible for paying to remove the knotweed from your land and theirs.

If the presence of the Japanese knotweed has reduced the value of your property, you may also be entitled to make a claim for the diminution in value.

Buying a new property/house?

If you are looking to buy a property, you need to instruct a surveyor to check for it.

Homes located close to railway tracks could be more at risk to be infected of Japanese knotweed.

How can Nicholson Jones Sutton help you with Japanese Knotweed?

Our knotweed specialist solicitors can help you:

1. Have the knotweed treated on your property and the neighbouring land by way of an insurance backed treatment plan;
2. Claiming compensation for damage to your property;
3. Claiming for a reduced value of your property if applicable.

Call our team of specialist property law solicitors today to discuss your claim.  We may be able to help you on a no win, no fee basis.