JAPANESE KNOTWEED: THE DESTRUCTIVE PLANT THAT COULD COST YOU THOUSANDS
JAPANESE KNOTWEED: THE DESTRUCTIVE PLANT THAT COULD COST YOU THOUSANDS
When it comes to hidden hazards lurking in your garden, Japanese Knotweed is one of the most damaging— and costly— invaders a homeowner can face. At first glance, it may seem like just another leafy plant, but the reality is far more serious. If left untreated, Japanese Knotweed can wreak havoc on properties, lead to spiralling removal costs, and even give rise to legal claims against previous owners.
What Is Japanese Knotweed? Japanese Knotweed( Fallopia japonica) is a fast-growing, invasive plant native to East Asia. Introduced to the UK in the 19th century as an ornamental species, it soon became a notorious garden pest. With bamboo-like stems and heart-shaped leaves, it may appear harmless, but this plant has a root system( rhizome network) that can extend 7 metres horizontally and 3 metres deep, allowing it to grow through cracks in concrete, tarmac, and even house foundations.
Why Is It So Destructive? Japanese Knotweed spreads rapidly and aggressively. It can:
• Damage building foundations, patios, drains and retaining walls
• Infiltrate neighbouring properties, creating legal disputes
• Outcompete native plants, leading to loss of biodiversity
Even if you remove the visible plant above ground, its underground rhizomes can regrow from as little as a 2cm fragment, making complete and permanent removal extremely difficult without professional help.
The Financial Impact on Your Home The presence of Japanese Knotweed on a property can devalue your home by up to 10 % or more, depending on the severity of the infestation. Many lenders are reluctant to approve mortgages on affected properties unless there is a professional treatment plan in place, backed by a 10-year insurance guarantee.
Removing Japanese Knotweed safely and effectively is not a DIY job— it typically requires specialist contractors, with removal costs ranging from £ 10,000 to £ 20,000 or more depending on the extent of the spread and accessibility of the affected area.
Legal Protections for Buyers: The TA6 Form and Misrepresentation If you’ ve bought a property and discovered Japanese Knotweed after moving in, you might have legal recourse— especially if the seller ticked“ No” to the Japanese Knotweed question on the TA6 Property Information Form.
The TA6 form is a legally binding part of the conveyancing process. Sellers are asked:“ Is the property affected by Japanese Knotweed?”
If they knowingly answered“ No” when the plant was present— or failed to properly investigate when signs existed— they may be held liable for misrepresentation. In such cases, buyers can claim:
• The full cost of removal( typically £ 10k –£ 20k)
• Additional compensation for loss of property value or disruption
Courts have increasingly recognised the seriousness of such misrepresentation, and legal claims against sellers are becoming more common.
What to Do If You Suspect Japanese Knotweed If you discover suspicious plants on your property, act quickly: 1. Get a professional survey by a specialist firm to identify the plant. 2. Seek legal advice— you may be entitled to recover the costs. 3. Avoid DIY removal, as this can worsen the problem and may even breach environmental regulations.
Success At Phoenix Solicitors we have seen a rise in cases involving Japanese Knotweed over recent years and we have recovered on average between £ 15,000- £ 20,000 for each client.
There are no upfront costs to pay us as we deal with these cases on a no win, no fee basis with a 25 % success fee deduction only on the successful conclusion of the claim.
If you’ ve discovered Japanese Knotweed and suspect the previous owner concealed it, Phoenix Solicitors can help you assess your case and pursue compensation. For confidential advice, call us on 0151 306 3694 or email ab @ phoenixlegalsolicitors. co. uk.
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