Japanese knotweed is a non-native invasive plant species
that was introduced to England as an ornamental in the mid-19th century. However,
outside its native habitat of Japan and Northern China the plant has proven to
be an aggressive coloniser and also highly destructive.
The issue in terms of getting a mortgage is
that left to its own devices it can devalue properties by growing through
floors and destroying foundations. If you suspect Japanese Knotweed or it is
made known to you when thinking of purchasing a property, the mortgage lender
is going to require very strong evidence that action is being taken before they
will consider releasing any money. Most, if not all lenders, will require you
to engage the services of a Japanese Knotweed removal professional in advance
or to provide them with evidence to show that a removal plan is in place at the
property. Be prepared, because treatment can cost thousands, even tens of
thousands to treat.
In 2010 it was estimated to have cost the UK economy £166m
a year in treatments and home devaluations, and it not only damages properties,
but can become a menace in the garden itself by killing other plant species in
its path. Unfortunately, you cannot just cut it back (as the weed can
regenerate from small fragments and spread rapidly via its very large and
intricate rhizome network underground) as Japanese Knotweed is classed as a “controlled
waste” product, and if you do not dispose of it correctly you could face
prosecution.
For guidance on preventing harmful weeds and invasive
non-native plants spreading, there is more information available on the gov.uk
website at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prevent-the-spread-of-harmful-invasive-and-non-native-plants.
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