South Wales, UK - Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia Japonica)

What is Knotweed?

Knotweed is an invasive weed which is a plant from the dock family and it typically has sheaths where the leaves join the stems.

Japanese Knotweed is a highly invasive plant which will grow rapidly, overtaking other vegetation around it left to its own devices. Knotweed is very difficult to remove and its existence on or close to a property could have an impact on property sales, purchases and lead to unforeseen costs.

Knotweed has a really wide and incredibly strong root system. The roots can grow up to 3m in down in the soil and 7m wide and upwards. It grows very rapidly, at a rate of more than a metre a week. The roots can impact existing structures and make it difficult to build foundations and incorporate drain systems into the ground however it does not grow through solid concrete.

It is extremely difficult to eliminate 100% of the roots effectively and if a tiny piece of its grass root is not fully removed, it will rapidly regrow and spread.

Where did Japanese Knotweeds come from?

A Dutch doctor called Phillipe von Siebold came to the UK in the late 1840’s and began to sell Japanese Knotweed to botanical gardens and high society figures.

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The History Knotweed

By 1869 it became available for general sale in the UK and farmers began to use it as feed for their animals. By the late 19th century gardeners encouraged people to buy and plant knotweed in their gardens to bring a touch of greenery. Little did they know the devastating effects knotweed could have from their rapid growth and roots.

Can you get a mortgage on a property with Knotweed?

It’s not impossible to get a mortgage on a property with knotweed, however, lenders are always very cautious due to its ability to spread quickly. In addition to this buyers and lenders are understandably wary when considering purchasing a property or land where knotweed is present.

Insurance for a property with knotweed can also be very problematic.

Most buildings insurance policies do not cover you for damage caused by knotweed. If your neighbour has knotweed and your house is affected by it, most insurers are likely to pursue others for the cost of the damage caused to your property.

All our treatment and removal services are provided to homes, businesses and properties. We will staggered payment schedules for any work that does not involve a 3rd party, and for customers who require evidence of pre-payment in full from the outset from their mortgage lenders.

To find out more or if you have any questions about knotweed removal in South Wales, give us a call on 01269 591651 and one of our expert team will be happy to help. You can read more about Japanese Knotweed here: japaneseknotweedremoval.biz/south-wales/2018/03/09/japanese-knotweed-treatment-and-removal-south-wales/