April 9, 2021
Bamboo is one of the most common garden plants – it has a distinctive look, is fast growing and is relatively low maintenance. However, it can cause damage to patios, driveways, fence lines and other plants in both your own and your neighbours’ gardens.
March 29, 2021
A Phase 1 Habitat Survey is used to classify and map different wildlife habitats as well as identifying any flora and fauna that are currently located on a site. This can be done for rural, semi-urban and urban areas. A Phase 1 survey is generally completed at the very early stages of a planning proposal.
March 11, 2021
As we approach Spring, we are seeing a huge increase in enquiries about Japanese knotweed! Make sure that you know all the signs you need to look out for that may indicate that you have Japanese knotweed on your property. Here is what you should be looking for:
March 5, 2021
Nobody wants to find Japanese knotweed on their property, due to the many complications and costs it can cause. However, it is much better to be aware that you have it than to be surprised by it at an inconvenient, later date (e.g., when you are trying to sell your home).
February 23, 2021
Many become concerned when they learn there is Japanese knotweed present on their property as they wonder whether it will affect their mortgage. But will it?
February 17, 2021
Exciting news! Our Client Manager, Lara Simpson, has featured in the first ever episode of the Planterra Business Show!!
February 11, 2021
At Japanese Knotweed Expert, we are pleased to say that we have treated many cases of Japanese knotweed and have had great success in ensuring long-lasting removal.
February 5, 2021
You may be tempted to try and clear Japanese knotweed yourself and hope that the problem will go away, or that other plants will stop the knotweed from growing back. This is not the case.
January 27, 2021
While each insurance policy is different, most buildings insurance policies exclude damage caused by Japanese knotweed.
January 15, 2021
As part of our Japanese knotweed treatment, we use a glyphosate-based spray. While this is used in a stronger concentration than it might be for common gardening, there are highly unlikely to be any side effects to your pets.
January 8, 2021
Japanese Knotweed is treated with a glyphosate-based spray. However, this is only available for trade entities to purchase, meaning this will need to be carried out by a professional.
December 17, 2020
Japanese knotweed can grow wherever there is a crack or a weak spot in your building. This voracious plant is able to grow up to 10cm a day. This means that the damage caused can be sudden and severe, as well as taking a lot of time and money to repair.
December 9, 2020
There are several different methods of treating Japanese knotweed. For most residential properties, we would recommend a herbicidal treatment over the growing season, followed by a period of inspection visits.
November 25, 2020
Japanese knotweed is quite a distinctive plant; but it does share many features with other similar weeds. For this reason, we would always recommend that a PCA certified surveyor visits your property to confirm whether or not the suspected plant is Japanese knotweed.
November 20, 2020
Japanese knotweed is commonly treated with a herbicide programme. This is conducted over several years and visits, to ensure that the knotweed is fully treated and does not re-emerge after a dormant period.
November 12, 2020
Japanese knotweed was brought to the UK back in the Victorian era and since then, it has spread across the entire nation. Due to Britain’s extensive canal and rail network, the knotweed has spread continuously, and is still doing so today.
November 3, 2020
There has been a recent case in Buckinghamshire where a new type of knotweed has been discovered. The knotweed, called ‘Fallopia Bohemica’ or Bohemian knotweed is a crossbreed of Japanese knotweed and Giant knotweed.
October 29, 2020
All landowners are legally responsible for controlling and removing Japanese knotweed from their property in order to prevent its spread, regardless of whether this is a domestic homeowner or a commercial entity.
September 21, 2020
When it comes to the treatment and removal of Japanese knotweed, you can see a lot of large numbers being thrown around. It’s hard to know exactly what you’re looking at, what is it that you’re really paying for?
August 25, 2020
Property surveyors will likely encounter Japanese knotweed on a semi-regular basis. Experts say that there is at least one stand of Japanese knotweed in every 6-mile square area within the United Kingdom. Here are some tips that property surveyors (plus anyone looking to buy or sell a house) should follow:
August 3, 2020
Bamboo is a plant that immediately makes you think or somewhere exotic in the far east – the plant has been used in many themed gardens over the years and is still used today as a decorative plant. However, due to the way bamboo grows, it can quickly overrun a small garden – is it invasive, or is it a feature plant?
July 27, 2020
While we would recommend getting a certified surveyor to your property to examine any suspected Japanese knotweed growth, but here are a couple of signs that you can use to help you.
July 27, 2020
Japanese knotweed is similar to any other weed – it is best treated in the spring and summer, when the rain is less likely to wash away any herbicide-based treatment. Excavation can be carried out year-round, if the location of the weed has been established. The treatment protocol we follow here at Japanese Knotweed Expert is detailed below.
July 24, 2020
A surveyor will check for any problems in the house but will they check the garden? Will my surveyor check for Japanese knotweed?
July 22, 2020
Japanese knotweed was initially indigenous to Japan, China and Korea – it has now spread worldwide, and it is listed by the World Conservation Union as one of the world’s worst invasive species. Read on below for how this weed left Japan and spread worldwide!
July 17, 2020
Japanese knotweed affects 1 in 20 properties in the UK. So when you are asked to fill out the Ta6 form version 4 because you are selling your property be very careful about answering the question on Japanese knotweed!
Don't spend money that you don't have to. Send us some photos of the suspected Japanese knotweed, and we will identify the plant for you, let us put your mind at ease.
July 15, 2020
When taking out a rental agreement, the garden or Japanese knotweed can be the last thing on your, or your landlord’s mind. You are excited about the property and moving in, you agree the deposit, sign everything off and then realise that you have a very broad clause in your tenancy agreement, saying that you will take ‘reasonable care’ of the garden and grounds.
June 25, 2020
This is why it is so important for you to understand your legal rights and responsibilities. You also need to understand your options prior to buying a property infected by Japanese knotweed.
June 18, 2020
Have you found Japanese knotweed on your property? Not sure if you are able to claim? Who is legally responsible to cover the costs?
June 3, 2020
We are proud to introduce our Japanese Knotweed Expert Client Manager, Lara.
May 26, 2020
The legal side of Japanese knotweed & what the UK law says about it!
May 12, 2020
Often referred to as the UK’s most destructive weed. Yes, Japanese knotweed can in fact cause serious damage to your property.
May 7, 2020
To identify Japanese knotweed in the spring you are looking for certain characteristics. As it emerges from the soil it resembles asparagus with tightly furled leaves and a very dark red colour to its spike of growth.
March 20, 2020
Trying to sell your house can be complicated and stressful. But what if your surveyor concludes that Japanese knotweed is growing in your garden?
September 21, 2020
When it comes to the treatment and removal of Japanese knotweed, you can see a lot of large numbers being thrown around. It’s hard to know exactly what you’re looking at, what is it that you’re really paying for?
March 18, 2020
This week we’ve been in Derbyshire, supervising the excavation of Japanese knotweed. This stand of Japanese knotweed was very developed and we have estimated that the plant was over 20 years old!
March 5, 2020
Spring is the easiest and most affordable time of the year to treat Japanese knotweed. It is crucial that you know what signs to look out for to save you money.
February 14, 2020
he new guidance issued by the Law Society, in response to recommendations from the House of Commons Select Committee on Japanese knotweed, now states; “The seller should state whether the property is affected by Japanese knotweed.”
February 5, 2020
This figure has jumped up hugely in recent years – with the exponential growth of Japanese knotweed (JK) this means 1 house in 20 could be reduced in value by up to £100,000.
December 19, 2019
Have you heard a horror story regarding Japanese knotweed?
November 27, 2019
We are often contacted by distressed individuals who are dealing with accusations and claims due to simply not knowing that they had Japanese Knotweed on their property. Find out how to identify Japanese knotweed here…
November 12, 2019
As a potential home-buyer, you may have been warned about Japanese Knotweed. It’s invasive and destructive nature can cause structural damage to buildings and walls and the mere presence of Japanese Knotweed on or around the boundary of a property can result in a depreciation of its value. For many who are looking to get on the property ladder, the mere mention of ‘depreciation’ might make them run a mile, but the presence of Japanese Knotweed can be an extremely useful bargaining chip for getting up to 10% of the market value knocked off!
October 23, 2019
Japanese Knotweed is a bamboo-like plant with hollow stems and green heart-shaped leaves. It grows rapidly and can grow up to 10m a day in the height of the growing season. Its roots and rhizomes can grow up to 7m radius and 3m depth and if it is found near any habitable space, it can undermine the structural integrity of the building.
July 12, 2019
When we talk about Japanese Knotweed, we often reference the detrimental effects it can have on the property, especially depreciation in value.
May 8, 2019
Make sure you know what a P35 report is and when you might need one.
October 29, 2019
We all hear the horror stories about how Japanese Knotweed reduces property values by 100% and is notorious for bringing house sales to a grinding halt, much to the dismay of many vendors. Japanese Knotweed Expert speaks to a single mum of 2 who was unfortunate enough to be blighted by this prolific weed.
February 13, 2019
Japanese Knotweed growing on a property based in Bristol has been the cause of a property firm being indicted with a hefty fine.
February 7, 2019
What is your responsibility when it comes to this invasive weeds?
January 29, 2019
We have all heard about the landmark Japanese Knotweed case of Mr Waistell v Network Rail, but what exactly was the precedent which was set following the hearing?
January 23, 2019
Property surveyors will likely encounter Japanese knotweed on a semi-regular basis. Experts say that there is at least one stand of Japanese knotweed in every 6-mile square area within the United Kingdom. Here are some tips that property surveyors (plus anyone looking to buy or sell a house) should follow:
January 10, 2019
Japanese Knotweed is estimated to be responsible for £170m worth of property repairs every year.
December 17, 2018
Japanese knotweed displays certain characteristics in the winter to make it more recognisable to the public.
December 17, 2018
The British Association of Landscape Industries is established to promote, support and inspire all professional landscapers, garden designers and landscape suppliers to be leaders of an environmentally, ethically and commercially sustainable landscape industry.
November 20, 2018
We asked Mia, what does your company do? She advised…
October 30, 2018
October is well underway, and as the cool weather sets in and the days creep every shorter, Japanese Knotweed us going through a seasonal change which should not be ignored.
October 10, 2018
The internet is filled with masses of information regarding Japanese Knotweed, and some of it can be particularly frightening. We receive dozens of phone calls every day, and many people as us to debunk myths that they have read online. Here are some of the most common, and why they are incorrect.
A Meeting with Rodger Burnett
Our director had the pleasure of meeting with Rodger Burnett, the solicitor in the Williams & Waistell Vs Network Rail case. Find out what happened here.
Japanese Knotweed in September
Do you know how to identify Japanese Knotweed in late summer? Find out here.
Don’t Delay – Book Your CPD Course Today
Are you still yet to secure your seat? Click here to find out more.
Why should I Attend Your CPD Course?
Are you unsure as to what a CPD course is? Learn more here.
Japanese Knotweed Infomation for Property Developers
Are you a property developer? To discover why Japanese Knotweed is a problem that you can’t afford to ignore, click here.
Officially CPD Certified!
We are immensely proud to announce that we are now officially CPD certified! To read more about it, click here.
Landmark ruling in Japanese Knotweed dispute
An update to the 2013 landmark case between Japanese Knotweed and Network Rail? To find out more, click here.
Japanese Knotweed in Summer
Summer is finally here, and the sun has started to shine – bliss! You will have noticed that your gardens are flourishing due to the warm weather – but how do you know if you have Japanese Knotweed growing on your property? To find out, click here.
Introducing our HR and Compliance Advisor
We would like to introduce Marianne Gibson our newest team member at Japanese Knotweed Expert Ltd. Marianne has joined our team as our HR and Compliance Advisor. To learn more about Marianne and her role, click here.
Introducing Our Business Development Assistant
We would like to take this opportunity to introduce Alexandria Mackenzie as our newest team member at Japanese Knotweed Expert. To learn more about the role Alex will taking in the company, click here.
First Treatment of the Year!
This month we will be carrying out our first Japanese Knotweed treatment of the year.
For over eighteen years we have honed our treatment methods and now strive to offer the most effective for eradicating Japanese Knotweed. These treatments can go much further than the standard herbicide applications, and all are recommended following a thorough site survey and included in our management plans. This means that each treatment is site-specific and tailored to the area in which Japanese Knotweed is growing.
For more information, please contact us or read more about our treatments here.
Train the Surveyor 2018
We are excited to be holding our first Train the Surveyor event on Friday 27th April!
This event is aimed at helping property surveyors to identify Japanese Knotweed and the next steps following identification.
If you would like some help in identifying Japanese Knotweed then take a look at our guide, or take advantage of our Japanese Knotweed Identification service.
Mortgage Lenders and Japanese Knotweed
Many mortgage lenders will not lend against a property with a Japanese Knotweed infestation. This is the line we are all used to hearing and, whilst it is true, it’s not all doom and gloom. Mortgage lenders are much more likely to lend against a property with a Japanese Knotweed problem if there is a Management Plan in place.
You can find out more about our site surveys and management plans here or contact us for more information.
The Life and Death of Japanese Knotweed
The Environment Agency recently described Japanese Knotweed as “indisputably the UK’s most aggressive, destructive and invasive plant”. As the weather warms up, Japanese Knotweed will resume growing so it’s important for homeowners to be vigilant.
We’ve created a timelapse video, The Life & Death of Japanese Knotweed, showing the growth of Japanese Knotweed over the year to help identify it. If you recognize the plant as something growing on your property, give us a call on 0800 1337 444 or email us at [email protected].
Invasive Species Week 2018
Last week (23rd – 29th March) was Invasive Species Week! First launched in 2015 by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and GB non-native species secretariat (NNSS), the aim of the week was to raise awareness of invasive non-native species, like Japanese Knotweed, and educate the public on how to stop the spread.
This year’s awareness week focused on a campaign called ‘Be Plant Wise’. Check out the NNSS website to read more about Invasive Species Week.
If you suspect you may have Japanese Knotweed growing on or near your property, remember you can always snap a picture and send it to us at [email protected] for free identification.
How does Japanese Knotweed affect your home insurance?
This is one of those questions that can come up when Japanese Knotweed is found on your property. Find out more information on our FAQ page or get in touch!
Spring is coming – Do you know what to look out for?
Spring is on it’s way and Japanese Knotweed will start growing again soon. Do you know what to look out for or how to identify Japanese Knotweed if it is in your garden? Check out our guide for identifying Japanese Knotweed!
Getting Rid of Japanese Knotweed is possible!
We have many clients contacting us on weekly basis, worried about a possible Japanese Knotweed infestation in their garden or on their site. They hear all of these scare stories about the damage Japanese Knotweed can cause, however eradication of Japanese Knotweed is possible.
As an expert in the Japanese Knotweed field we can assist in getting rid of Japanese knotweed; learn how we can help by clicking here!
Neighbour found liable for Japanese Knotweed costs
There has been a further update regarding the Smith vs Line case which we covered late last year. The case has now resulted in the Smiths’ neighbour, Rosemary Line, being ordered to employ contractors over the next five years to remove the Japanese Knotweed and pay all costs, including court costs. The Smiths’ claimed that the identification of Japanese Knotweed on their land resulted in their home losing a value of £50,000 and that this Japanese Knotweed spread from their neighbours land on to theirs.
If you have Japanese Knotweed on your land, don’t risk the same happening to you. Get in touch for advice on how best to move forward.
Legal Loopholes in the Declaration of Japanese Knotweed
A legal loophole is leaving buyers of new build properties open to potential Japanese Knotweed being on their land. Currently, developers and builders are not required to complete a TA6 form, which declares whether the property has been affected by any invasive weeds. Read more in the full article on the Telegraph.
Japanese Knotweed Expert – SSIP Accredited
We are very pleased to have been Accredited as SSIP compliant. Safety Schemes in Procurement actively works to promote high standard of Health and Safety and means that we adhere to strict guidelines to ensure the safety of our staff, clients and any members of public that may be affected by our work. For more information, please visit our Qualifications page.
Japanese Knotweed Tracker
Did you know that the Environmental Agency set up a map showing the distribution of Japanese Knotweed over the UK. Check it out here and see how close Japanese Knotweed is getting to your property. Why not get in touch to have your property surveyed for the presence of this invasive weed – we can issue you with confirmation that your garden is Knotweed free, providing you with peace of mind.
Japanese Knotweed in Court
As you have probably heard, the presence of Japanese Knotweed on a property can result in parties being taken to court. Sometimes an expert is required to overview any excavation work that has already been completed on a property or any treatment that has been carried out. This is when a P35 Expert Report comes in to play. Find out more about them here.
Sale of a House Falls Through Due To Japanese Knotweed
Having put his house up for sale and paid out for solicitors fees, the sale of Mr Kidd’s house fell through when Japanese Knotweed was found on Network Rails land that was adjacent to his own. Find out more here.
Why You Shouldn’t Try to Remove Japanese Knotweed Yourself
When you find out you have Japanese Knotweed on your premises, it may be tempting to remove it yourself, to cut back on professional eradication costs. Find out here why it’s always best to have the professionals take care of it.
Japanese Knotweed History Lesson
Japanese Knotweed was first brought over to Europe in 1850 by European explorer Philipp Franz von Siebold. It was loved by the Victorians because it looked like bamboo and grew into a bush very quickly. Today though, it is now known as an invasive weed and needs to be removed as soon as it is spotted on any site. Find out about our removal process here
Did you know? It cost £70 million to have Japanese Knotweed removed from a 10-acre area of the London 2012 Olympic Games velodrome and aquatic centre.
Don’t let Japanese Knotweed Stop You From Selling Your Property
Not only can Japanese Knotweed affect the selling price of your property, it can also affect your chances of selling it if you don’t have a PCA qualified companies management plan in place. This happened to a client of ours in Manchester. Click here to find out more…
Suspected Japanese Knotweed – Misidentified!
A client in London thought they had Japanese Knotweed on their site but it had been misidentified! Click here to find out more…
Another Japanese Knotweed case goes to court!
Adam and Eleanor Smith of Maenporth, near Falmouth in Cornwall, are taking their pensioner neighbour, Rosemary Line, to court on 6th October 2017, following a Japanese Knotweed dispute. Their home has been devalued by 10% due to knotweed that has been encroaching on their land from Mrs Lines, for the past 11 years! You can read the full article, originally published by The Daily Mail online, by clicking here.
If you are in a similar situation to Mr and Mrs Smith, get in touch today for free expert advice on 0800 1337 444
Why you need to eradicate your Japanese Knotweed
Find out why you need to eradicate your Japanese Knotweed by clicking here…
Marketing Internship at Japanese Knotweed Expert Limited
Find out what a marketing Internship at Japanese Knotweed Expert could look like for you! Click here to find out more…
Update on Network Rail Case
Mr Waistell and Network Rail are locked in a legal battle as Network Rail appealed the county court decision, that it should pay £15,000 in damages for the Japanese Knotweed that spread from Network Rails land to Mr Waistells property.
If you would like to view the full article posted by the Telegraph, please click here.
Can having Japanese Knotweed result in a prison sentence?
As if finding out you have Japanese Knotweed in your garden isn’t enough bad news, did you know that failure to take the steps to eradicate it can result in a £2,000 fine or even a 2-year prison sentence?
We have found an interesting article, posted by the Coventry Telegraph online, warning people about the rise of Japanese Knotweed and how this can affect you.
If you would like to view the full article posted by the Coventry Telegraph, please click here.
Community Protection Notice from Home Office
New Home Office guidance now enables local councils and the police to issue Community Protection Notices against “individuals who are acting unreasonably and who persistently or continually act in a way that has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality” which includes Japanese Knotweed and other invasive weeds.
Network Rail sued over Japanese Knotweed
Rodger Burnett, the Director and founder of Charles Lyndon, has successfully sued Network Rail over a case of Japanese Knotweed. He represented Mr Waistell who was trying to sell his property but couldn’t due to the presence of the Japanese Knotweed on the Railway Embankment.