JAPANESE
NOTWEED
K
Problems for Homeowners
I have always though that
being a conveyancing
solicitor often involves
other disciplines: agony
aunt, social worker, mind
reader and psychiatrist
spring immediately to mind.
However, it seems that I
now need to brush up on
my horticultural knowledge
as the problem of our not
so welcome Japanese
visitor continues to cause
problems for clients buying
and selling properties.
What is it?
Fallopia Japonica (technical term,
I`ve done my homework here!) is a
destructive bamboo like plant that has
increasingly spread across the country in
recent years.
It is rapid growing (up to a 10cm a day)
and spreads very quickly. The plant
has very deep roots that can penetrate
concrete. It can cause considerable
damage to buildings as it can damage
foundations and drains.
Why should I be worried?
Aside from the obvious problems
outlined above, there are other practical
and legal issues which should concern
homeowners.
Firstly the existence of Japanese
knotweed can seriously affect your
ability to sell your property. Mortgage
lenders have become increasingly
aware of the problems that Japanese
knotweed and many mortgage lenders
will not lend on properties where it is
present. Other lenders require remedial
works to have been carried out. Some
lenders go further and also require the
remedial works to be guaranteed. Even
if knotweed is close to or in the vicinity of
your property it may be enough to cause
problems when the property is sold.
Secondly , the cost of removing
Japanese knotweed is significant (up
to £20,000) and will usually involve
employing a specialist contractor
particularly as the knotweed must be
carefully disposed of once removed.
Thirdly, you may risk a legal claim by
your neighbours. If you fail to take action
then it may constitute a private nuisance
for which you could be sued.
What should I do?
An obvious first step is to know your
enemy. It is worth spending time to
have a look on the internet to identify
what Japanese knotweed looks like.
Its leaves are lush green in colour and
shovel shaped. The stem resembles
bamboo and it produces white flowers
around September/ October. If you do
find Japanese knotweed present at your
property it is important to act promptly.
Unless you are confident that you know
what you are doing then you will need
to source a specialist contractor who
will advise on the correct procedure for
removal. This will hopefully avoid any
recurrence and it is particularly helpful if
the work is guaranteed.
Is there any good news?
Oh yes……I am reliably informed that
Japanese knotweed is edible and
apparently tastes like rhubarb. Having
said that, bearing in mind this stuff can
force its way through concrete, I think
that I am inclined to give it a miss.
By Nick Walsh
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