How Does Japanese Knotweed Affect the Value of a Home?

In this article, we will look at the following:

1. Wait…what is Japanese Knotweed?
2. Does Japanese Knotweed spread fast?
3. How do I know if I have Japanese Knotweed?
4. Why is Japanese Knotweed Such a Big Issue?
5. Should I call a Japanese Knotweed expert?

1. Wait…what is Japanese Knotweed?

Native to the country of Japan, Japanese Knotweed has become a regular occurrence in the UK. A plant or weed may not sound dangerous or damage-causing, but many types of foliage, Japanese Knotweed in particular, have the ability to cause a significant amount of irreversible damage to your home or property.

Japanese Knotweed was brought to the UK from Japan and given to a garden to display because of its white blooms that pop out during the summer. In Japan, this plant has a natural predator and cycle of life that keeps it from becoming an overwhelming nuisance the way that it has in the UK. The United Kingdom does not have the same climate and natural predators as Japan, so it is not naturally maintained well like it is in its home country.

2. Does Japanese Knotweed spread fast?

Japanese Knotweed began spreading around the UK because of how well it grows and spreads. Ironically, that is the reason it has become a problem in the past decades. When it was noticed how easily it spreads and grows, it was planted along railroad tracks to help diminish noise coming from the trains. The train’s speed and travel was a catalyst for spreading the plant and its seeds around the country. Because of this widespread access, Japanese Knotweed has become a common issue and a problem the country is currently trying to get under control.

3. How do I know if I have Japanese Knotweed?

If you are not sure whether you have seen Japanese Knotweed or not, here are some key features to look out for:

• 3.1 The leaves are often heart or shield shaped.
• 3.2 The leaves have a flat base that comes down to a point in either shape.
• 3.3 Between each leaf, the stems form a zigzag pattern and have easily visible purple spots.
• 3.4 The main stems are hollow.

4. Why is Japanese Knotweed Such a Big Issue?

Japanese Knotweed has become an issue because of its large range of growth. These plants can grow to span seven meters across the roots. A single plant has the ability to have that large range of root growth. Wherever Japanese Knotweed grows, its instinct is to keep growing and push through whatever is in its way of reach its full grown potential.

This is why it can become such a hazard to home and property owners. If any portion of this plant grows underneath a structure, it will try its best to grow its way through the structure to reach the surface and its number one necessity: light. If your home or patio has weak spots, holes, or cracks, this plant can grow through the structure, causing severed foundational damage.

5. Should I call a Japanese Knotweed expert?

Japanese Knotweed can severely devalue a home and make it more difficult to sell it for what it was purchased for or what the home itself is actually worth. This is why it is so necessary to contact an expert or a professional as soon as there is even a small sign of Japanese Knotweed.

If you have detected knotweed on your property and it is listed on the surveyor’s report, your home value can become almost nonexistent. We here at Quick Property Buyer do not agree and believe that the home should be valued for the quality of the house, property, and location. If Japanese Knotweed was efficiently removed and controlled, there would not be an issue with selling the homes for the price they are worth on land or property the plant is found on.