As a real estate agent in Burnley, I know how the Japanese Knotweed plant can affect house buying and selling. This plant from East Asia grows very fast and can damage houses and gardens, making them less valuable and harder to sell. The plant is also a problem because it can make it difficult to get a mortgage or insurance. Today, I want to explain more about the issues caused by Japanese Knotweed in Burnley and how to deal with it.
Japanese knotweed, or ‘Fallopia japonica’, came to the UK in the late 1800s. At first, people liked it for decorating gardens. But now, its fast growth makes it a problem for homeowners. Many people in Burnley are becoming worried as they see this plant more often.
To identify Japanese Knotweed, look for heart-shaped leaves with a pointed tip, stems like bamboo, and white flowers in late summer and autumn. Its roots can grow 3 meters deep and 7 meters wide, which can damage houses, including their foundations, drainage systems, and walls.
Selling a home with Japanese Knotweed can be hard. Most banks in the UK don’t want to loan money for houses with this problem. Some might want a plan to get rid of the weed before approving a loan. Lawyers also have to tell potential buyers about the problem, making the house even harder to sell. People are scared of the potential damage and the cost to remove the plant.
If you find Japanese Knotweed, don’t try to get rid of it yourself. You’re not allowed to throw the plant away with regular trash in the UK because it can spread, so you should ask a professional for help. In Burnley, there are experts who can kill the plant with chemicals or physically remove it.
To prevent the plant from coming back, you can install barriers in the ground, but this is expensive and might not be needed in all cases.
The best way to manage this issue is early detection. If you spot the problem early, you’ll pay less to remove the plant and avoid serious damage. Keep a close eye on your property and learn to spot the signs of Japanese Knotweed.
It can be tough to handle Japanese Knotweed, but don’t lose hope. The best way to deal with this plant is to find it early, get advice from a professional, and manage it correctly. Having a Japanese Knotweed problem doesn’t mean you can’t sell your home, but you’ll need to be informed and careful. With the right help, you can control this plant, keep your property safe, and maintain its value. Now that you know what to look for and how to respond, you’re better prepared to tackle the problem of Japanese Knotweed in Burnley.