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Japanese Knotweed has become one of the most notorious invasive plants in the UK, causing significant problems for homeowners, developers, and the environment. With its ability to grow rapidly, spread aggressively, and damage property, this plant is more than just a nuisance—it’s a serious concern. But what exactly makes it so problematic, and how can you protect your property from it? At CYB Environmental, the most trusted company in Japanese knotweed treatment and removal, we aim to educate and inform you about this invasive species and what steps can be taken to address the issue effectively.

What is Japanese Knotweed?

Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is a fast-growing, herbaceous perennial plant native to East Asia. It was introduced to the UK in the 19th century as an ornamental plant, admired for its bamboo-like stems and heart-shaped leaves. However, what initially seemed like an attractive garden addition quickly became a widespread problem.

The plant is known for its rapid growth, capable of growing up to 10 cm a day during its peak season. It produces dense clumps of stems that can grow up to 3 metres tall. Japanese Knotweed spreads via its extensive rhizome (root) system, which can extend up to 7 metres horizontally and 3 metres deep into the ground. This makes it incredibly difficult to eradicate, as even small fragments of the rhizome can give rise to new plants.

Why is Japanese Knotweed a Problem?

Japanese Knotweed is a problem for several reasons, ranging from environmental concerns to legal implications. Here’s a breakdown of why it’s such a significant issue:

1. Structural Damage

One of the most alarming aspects of Japanese Knotweed is its ability to cause structural damage to properties. Its powerful roots can penetrate through cracks in concrete, tarmac, walls, and foundations. Over time, this can weaken the structural integrity of buildings, driveways, and roads. Homeowners often find that their property values are negatively impacted due to the presence of the plant.

Mortgage lenders in the UK are often reluctant to provide loans on properties affected by Japanese Knotweed, as it poses a serious risk to the structural security of the property. If you’re trying to sell a house with Japanese Knotweed present, you may face significant challenges unless you take steps to remove Japanese Knotweed professionally.

2. Rapid Spread

Japanese Knotweed spreads quickly and aggressively. It’s not just the plant itself that poses a threat, but its underground rhizome system, which can regenerate from even the smallest fragment. This makes it incredibly difficult to control or remove without expert help.

If left untreated, Japanese Knotweed can spread from one property to another, making it a communal problem in densely populated areas. The speed at which it grows can overwhelm gardens, yards, and even public spaces, leaving little room for native plant species.

3. Environmental Impact

Japanese Knotweed is a threat to biodiversity. Its dense growth can crowd out native plants, reduce species diversity, and disrupt local ecosystems. Because it forms thick, impenetrable thickets, it can outcompete other plants for sunlight, water, and nutrients, leaving ecosystems impoverished.

Wildlife that depends on native plants for food or shelter can also be affected, further harming the environment. Controlling this invasive plant is essential to preserving the natural habitats of many species.

4. Legal Implications

In the UK, it is illegal to allow Japanese Knotweed to spread from your property to another. Under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime, and Policing Act 2014, you could face legal action if you do not take steps to control the spread of the plant. This makes it crucial for homeowners and businesses to take proactive measures to treat and remove Japanese Knotweed before it becomes a bigger problem.

How to Get Rid of Japanese Knotweed

Given the difficulties in controlling this invasive species, how to get rid of Japanese Knotweed effectively requires expert intervention. At CYB Environmental, we offer a range of solutions designed to treat Japanese Knotweed and ensure that it doesn’t return. Here’s how we approach the issue:

1. Herbicidal Treatment Programme

One of the most common and effective ways to treat Japanese Knotweed is through a carefully managed herbicide programme. Our experts at CYB Environmental use professional-grade herbicides that target the plant’s extensive rhizome system, weakening and eventually killing it. Herbicidal treatments are applied over multiple growing seasons to ensure thorough control.

While this method doesn’t provide instant results, it’s one of the most reliable ways to treat and kill the plant without having to excavate large areas of land. Herbicidal treatments are especially effective in urban environments where excavation might not be practical.

2. Excavation and Removal

In some cases, it’s necessary to remove Japanese Knotweed through excavation, especially if the plant is growing close to property foundations or in areas that are being redeveloped. At CYB Environmental, we provide site-specific management plans that determine the most effective method of removal based on the location and extent of the infestation.

Excavation involves digging out the soil where the rhizomes are located, ensuring that all fragments are removed to prevent regrowth. This method is faster than herbicidal treatment but can be more disruptive and costly. Our team is experienced in carefully managing excavation projects to minimise disruption while ensuring complete removal.

3. Root Barrier Systems

In cases where excavation is not feasible, or where there’s a risk of the plant returning from a neighbouring property, root barrier systems can be installed. These barriers are designed to prevent the rhizomes from spreading, containing the plant and preventing it from reaching areas where it could cause damage.

Root barriers are especially useful when Japanese Knotweed is found near property boundaries, as they provide a physical barrier that stops the plant from migrating between properties.

Insurance-Backed Guarantees

At CYB Environmental, we understand the concerns that property owners have about the potential return of Japanese Knotweed. That’s why we offer an insurance-backed guarantee with our treatment plans, giving you peace of mind that if the plant does return, we will deal with it promptly and at no additional cost.

Our insurance-backed guarantees provide long-term protection for homeowners, landlords, and businesses, ensuring that you are covered should any regrowth occur after our treatment has been completed.

Solving your Japanese Knotweed Problem

Attempting to remove Japanese Knotweed on your own can often make the problem worse. In many cases, trying to cut down the plant or dig it up without professional equipment can lead to the spread of rhizome fragments, which can quickly regrow into new plants. It’s essential to use a professional service like CYB Environmental to handle the issue properly.

Our team has the experience, expertise, and tools necessary to treat Japanese Knotweed effectively, ensuring that it is eliminated from your property for good.

Japanese Knotweed is a serious problem that can cause extensive damage to properties, harm the environment, and lead to legal consequences if not dealt with properly. The plant’s ability to grow rapidly and regenerate from small fragments makes it a challenge to control without professional help.

At CYB Environmental, we specialise in Japanese Knotweed removal, offering a range of services including herbicidal treatments, excavation, root barriers, and insurance-backed guarantees. If you’re dealing with Japanese Knotweed on your property and are unsure of the next steps, contact us today to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs. With our trusted expertise, you can protect your property and treat Japanese Knotweed before it becomes an even bigger issue.

Let us help you regain control of your property and ensure it remains free from the invasive Japanese Knotweed. Contact us today!

You might have heard horror stories about Japanese knotweed causing severe damage to properties across the UK, making selling them rather difficult. No wonder Japanese knotweed infestations have caused mortgage lenders to take a cautious approach when it comes to dealing with properties that are affected by this pesky plant.

Before understanding the extent to which Japanese knotweed affects mortgages and the extra measures to take before obtaining a mortgage with this invasive plant, let’s check out what it is and how it is a problem.

What is Japanese knotweed?

Japanese knotweed is a tall herbaceous perennial plant with big shovel-shaped green leaves, white flowers, and bamboo-looking stems. As it grows really fast in almost all types of soil, it quickly spreads while growing from the underground roots (also known as rhizomes). It is extremely difficult to get rid of these rhizomes as a new plant may quickly sprout from even a tiny fragment that’s left in the soil.

How does it affect your chances of getting a mortgage?

Japanese knotweed spreads so fast that it can overtake the garden on a property in no time, ruining them completely by strangling all other plants. The roots of this dangerous plant block the drains which can even damage the foundation if left untreated. As all this damage caused by knotweed is likely to affect a property’s value, getting a mortgage with it isn’t easy. The worst is when you think you have successfully killed it off; it may be laying dormant ready to sprout again.

Knotweed has been singled out by the government and also the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors as an invasive plant, which if allowed to grow unchallenged, may increase pre-existing structural damage to properties, and disrupt paving and tarmac surfaces.

How do mortgage lenders access Japanese knotweed’s risk?

Most mortgage lenders access the risk of knotweed based on the four categories listed below:
– The plant is on a neighbouring property which is over seven metres away from the actual property’s boundary.
– The plant is on a neighbouring property within seven metres of the actual property’s boundary.
– The plant is within a property’s boundary but is over seven metres away from a residential property.
– The plant is within seven metres of a property and causes serious damage to the outbuildings, boundary walls, paths, and drains. This will need immediate treatment from an expert.

How can you get a mortgage with Japanese knotweed?

Lately, many lenders across the UK have relaxed their policies concerning Japanese knotweed, though you may still find some who refuse to lend unless you prove that the infestation has been professionally treated. So, your first step to obtaining a mortgage with Japanese knotweed is to have a knotweed treatment plan in place.

In order to evaluate the property, lenders want a survey to be conducted that allows them to find out the extent to which the plant can damage your property, along with other potential risks. Depending on how severe the infestation is, the lender could charge you a higher rate of interest to compensate for the perceived threat to the plant. You may also be asked to make a higher deposit for the mortgage. So, be prepared for what’s ahead.

Thank you for reading our blog. If you are looking to get a mortgage with this invasive knotweed, make sure to get in touch with us at CYB Environmental. As experts, our management plan and 10-year insurance-backed guarantee will ensure that lenders reverse their initial refusal to lend. Call us on 020 3005 8755 or fill out our contact form today!