Japanese Knotweed
a reason to worry
What is it?
Japanese knotweed is a fast-growing non-native invasive plant. It is perennial and as such undergoes growth cycles that changes its appearance throughout the year.
The stems are often mistaken for bamboo, as the height and colour of the shoots can look very similar and can grow as high as 3 metres.
What should I do?
Japanese knotweed on your property?
Once discovered, it is imperative that you take action to have it professionally removed as failing to do so will undoubtedly result in not only a loss in value to your property but also when selling your property, the ability of perspective purchasers to obtain a mortgage.
In addition, the plant may spread from your property to an adjoining property resulting in a claim being brought against you.
Be careful
Don't remove it by yourself!
Not many people are aware that it is illegal to try and remove the plant by yourself! You should seek specialist advice regarding where it came from, has it spread and how it should be safely and legally removed.
We can arrange for a specialist accredited company to attend at your premises and provide you with a report detailing the above so that you can make an informed decision how to proceed.
Do you have a claim?
This depends on several factors which is why the obtaining of a specialist report at the outset is so important.
In general, you will need to satisfy:
- That the Japanese knotweed encroached on your property within the last 5 years or
- You purchased the property and the fact that the property had Japanese knotweed growing on it was not disclosed by the seller even though they were aware of its existence or
- A survey of the property was undertaken, and the surveyor failed to notice that Japanese knotweed was growing on the property or
- The owner of the land from where the Japanese knotweed has come from has failed to make suitable arrangements for its removal.
Provided the above applies, we will represent you on a No Win No Fee Basis and seek to recover not only the cost of any treatment, but also seek compensation for the loss in value of your property which may be as high as 10% of the property’s value.
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- Tip:
Please be as detailed as possible. Include your industry along with any specific document requests. To help us best service your enquiry, we recommend that you first describe the issue you’re having before telling us what you want to achieve.