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    • Home
    • Services
      • Japanese Knotweed Removal
      • Survey
      • Herbicide
      • Excavation
      • Removal Costs
      • Commercial Solutions
    • Sectors
      • Commercial
      • Social Housing
      • Construction Sites
      • Real Estate
      • Public Sector
      • Social Utilities
      • Rail Sector
    • Identification
      • Japanese Knotweed
      • Invasive Plant Species
      • Bamboo Identification
      • Giant Hogweed
      • Himalayan Balsam
    • Contact
    • Knowledge Hub
      • About
      • Areas
      • Our Process
      • FAQ
      • Case Studies
      • Resources
    • Book A Survey
  • Home
  • Services
    • Japanese Knotweed Removal
    • Survey
    • Herbicide
    • Excavation
    • Removal Costs
    • Commercial Solutions
  • Sectors
    • Commercial
    • Social Housing
    • Construction Sites
    • Real Estate
    • Public Sector
    • Social Utilities
    • Rail Sector
  • Identification
    • Japanese Knotweed
    • Invasive Plant Species
    • Bamboo Identification
    • Giant Hogweed
    • Himalayan Balsam
  • Contact
  • Knowledge Hub
    • About
    • Areas
    • Our Process
    • FAQ
    • Case Studies
    • Resources
  • Book A Survey

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

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Control Strategies

Bamboo, when not properly contained, can become highly invasive, overtaking yards and smothering flowerbeds or other landscaping elements.


The vigorous, aggressive roots of running bamboo varieties can push through paving, patios, stone walkways, and even structural components like cavity walls or flooring voids. If bamboo grows near drainage systems, its roots may infiltrate pipes, leading to costly damage to your property and potentially affecting surrounding areas.


Bamboo is not classified as an invasive species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, so you are free to plant it. However, care should be taken to prevent its spread by using root barriers or planting in containers.


In recent years, disputes over bamboo crossing property boundaries have risen, often leading to small claims court cases. To avoid legal issues with neighbors, plan your bamboo planting carefully to prevent encroachment.


Yes, but specific precautions must be followed:

  • Cut the stems and leaves and allow them to dry completely (ideally on a non-permeable surface to prevent regrowth) before burning.
  • Burn the material on your property, as transporting it to other locations, such as riverbanks or public land, is illegal and may result in fines or, in severe cases, imprisonment.


Disposing of Japanese Knotweed yourself is not advisable due to its rapid regrowth potential. Key points to remember:

  • Never place Japanese Knotweed in compost, recycling, or household waste bins, as it is classified as "controlled waste" under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
  • Hire a licensed waste carrier to transport and dispose of it at a designated landfill site to ensure compliance with regulations.


Glyphosate-based herbicides are the most effective, as they are absorbed by the leaves and transported to the roots, weakening the plant’s ability to regrow. Avoid DIY herbicide applications, as some chemicals can cause the plant to enter dormancy, complicating future eradication efforts and potentially increasing costs.


Eliminating Japanese Knotweed is challenging due to its rapid growth and resilient root system. Even a tiny root fragment can lead to regrowth.

  • Digging out the plant requires removing as much of the root system as possible and repeatedly destroying new shoots to deplete the plant’s energy reserves, though this may take multiple seasons.
  • Avoid mowing or strimming, as this can spread the plant to other areas, including neighboring properties, due to its highly regenerative roots.
  • For effective control, professional herbicide application is recommended.


General FAQs

Whether Japanese Knotweed impacts a mortgage application depends on the lender. Some may reject applications outright if the plant is present, while others will base decisions on a surveyor’s assessment of the plant’s risk to the property and its future saleability.


Key considerations:

  • Most lenders require professional eradication with a guarantee against regrowth before approving a mortgage.
  • Buyers may need to provide written confirmation that they are willing to proceed with the purchase despite the presence of knotweed.


Yes, due to its extensive and regenerative root system, Japanese Knotweed can persist in your garden for up to three years, even with treatment. If herbicides are used, you may notice the plant weakening. If no improvement is seen, consult a professional for assistance.


Upon identifying Japanese Knotweed, take immediate steps to control its spread and prevent it from reaching neighboring properties. If you cannot manage it yourself, document the plant with photos and seek professional help promptly.


Important notes:

  • You are legally responsible for controlling and eliminating the plant.
  • Allowing it to spread to adjacent properties could result in fines or legal action.


No, Japanese Knotweed is not toxic or harmful to touch. However, handling it carelessly, such as pulling it out, can cause it to spread further.


Yes, particularly if your property already has structural vulnerabilities.

  • The plant’s extensive roots can cause soil movement as they grow, potentially leading to subsidence.
  • If Japanese Knotweed is within 7 meters of living spaces and is damaging boundary walls, it poses a high risk, and you should contact a reputable builder immediately.


The plant’s deep rhizomes can exploit weak points in buildings, such as cracks in foundations or walls, as they seek light and water. While it cannot grow through solid concrete, it can widen existing cracks, gradually causing structural damage.

  • For example, knotweed can push through small gaps in patios or pavements.
  • Underground, its roots may crack or block drainage systems, leading to significant property issues.


To confirm Japanese Knotweed on your property, look for:

  • Heart- or shovel-shaped leaves.
  • Creamy-white flowers in late summer.
  • Reddish-brown shoots emerging in early spring.


The plant typically begins growing in early spring, reaching heights of up to 3 meters by June. Growth continues through autumn, after which it dies back in winter. Mild winters or warm, wet summers can extend the growing season.


Described by the Environment Agency as the UK’s most aggressive and invasive plant, Japanese Knotweed:

  • Can grow up to 10 cm per day (20 cm at its peak).
  • Reaches 3–4 meters in height within 10 weeks.
  • Has rhizomes that spread up to 7 meters horizontally and 3 meters deep underground.


Selling a property with Japanese Knotweed depends on the lender. Some may refuse mortgages outright, while others will consider a surveyor’s report on the plant’s impact on the property’s value and future saleability.


Guarantees

This depends on the lender. Some will deny a mortgage if Japanese Knotweed is present, while others rely on a surveyor’s evaluation of the plant’s risk to the property.


Key points:

  • Most lenders require professional eradication with a guarantee against regrowth before approving a mortgage.
  • Buyers may need to confirm in writing that they are willing to proceed with the purchase despite the presence of knotweed.


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