Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant that can quickly take over an area, causing damage to property and posing a risk to the environment.Â
If you discover Japanese knotweed on your property, it’s important to take action right away to prevent the plant from spreading.
Knotweed is a fast-growing, invasive plant that can cause serious damage to properties. knotweed can grow up to 3m in a single season, and its roots can extend up to 7m underground.
Does Japanese knotweed affect house insurance?
Knotweed is very difficult to remove, and it can cost thousands of pounds to completely get rid of on a property.
Knotweed is so destructive that it is actually covered by the Environmental Protection Act, and it is classed as controlled waste. As a result of its destructiveness, many insurance companies will not provide cover for homes that are affected by knotweed.
According to most insurance companies, Japanese knotweed does not affect your house insurance. The plant is not technically classed as “invasive” under the Insurance Act 2015, so you should not have any problems getting covered.
However, it’s always best to check with your insurer before making a purchase, as some companies may have different policies that cater to having knotweed on your property and thus require you to take action to manage it.
If you do have knotweed on your property, the best course of action is to hire a professional contractor to remove it. Knotweed can spread very rapidly, and if left unchecked, it can cause serious damage to buildings and foundations.
By taking early action, you can help to keep your home safe and reduce the risk of problems in the future.
Will the presence of Japanese knotweed devalue my property?
Knotweed is also difficult to remove once it becomes established, and it often requires the use of heavy equipment and herbicides.
As a result, the presence of knotweed on a property can devalue the property by as much as 10%.
Knotweed is most commonly found near waterways, but it can also be spread by seed dispersal or soil movement. And as such, it is important to be vigilant in order to prevent knotweed from taking root on your property.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom providing you engage a contractor and establish a knotweed management program then you’ll be able to regain control of your area that is infected and glean back what was initially devalued.
Can Japanese knotweed damage foundations?
Japanese knotweed is a fast-growing, invasive plant that has caused havoc in many gardens and yards. The knotweed can easily damage foundations, as its deep roots can reach up to six feet underground.
In addition, knotweed can also grow through concrete, asphalt, and other hard materials. As a result, knotweed can cause significant damage to homes and other structures.
If you suspect that knotweed is growing on your property, it is important to take immediate action to remove the plant. Otherwise, you may be facing costly repairs in the future.
Can Japanese knotweed grow under a house?
The plant has a strong root system that can grow through concrete, asphalt, and even metal. Therefore it comes as no surprise that knotweed can also grow under houses, causing the foundation to buckle and crack.
Obviously, knotweed will exploit any weaknesses within your foundation such as cracks and fissures. So the best approach is to ensure that Japanese knotweed is not within 7 metres of your property and force it back at the earliest opportunity available to you.
Should I contact a professional contractor?
The best way to eliminate knotweed is to contact a professional contractor who specializes in knotweed removal.
These professionals have the experience and equipment necessary to safely and effectively remove knotweed from your property.
In addition, they can also provide you with advice on how to prevent knotweed from returning in the future. If you’re concerned about knotweed, don’t hesitate to contact a professional contractor for help.
In conclusion
When you discover Japanese knotweed on your property you should:
1. Take immediate action to remove the plant.
2. Contact a professional contractor who specializes in knotweed removal.
3. Be vigilant in order to prevent knotweed from returning.
Want to know more about Japanese knotweed?
Knotweed Removal aims to provide the most up-to-date information, help, and advice for YOU to make informed decisions. If you are unsure or uncertain about how to proceed, please reach out to us and we will gladly come back and advise you as best we can.
Governmental advice can be found here and the UK law covering the removal of Japanese Knotweed as stated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 can be found here.
The best means to contact us is via our email – hello@knotweedremoval.tips
Do not forget we have a library of blogs covering many areas relevant to Japanese Knotweed, our free downloadable How-to Guides, and Product Reviews on the latest methods being employed to eradicate or remove Japanese Knotweed.
Knotweed Removal, UK
