What does Japanese Knotweed Look Like?

New red shoot appears in spring resembling asparagus

Distinctive shield shaped leaves with alternating sub-branches

Clusters of attractive white flowers in summer

In winter the yellowy orange leaves will eventually turn brown

Japanese knotweed Identification guide

How to find out if a property is Affected by Japanese knotweed

If you're buying or selling a property, you'll want to find out whether or not it is affected by knotweed. As a seller, you must be certain before completing the TA6 form, which, if answered incorrectly, could leave you exposed to a legal case in the future.

Our JustCheck™ surveys are the perfect solution for buyers and sellers alike. Our expert surveyors will check the property for any sign of knotweed, including within 3m of the boundary, and provide a 5-year warranty to cover the cost of treatment in the unlikely event it should later appear.

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Is your Property Affected by Japanese Knotweed?

Here are the top 6 reasons why Japanese knotweed should be removed from residential property:

1. Protect your Assets - Knotweed will make it more difficult to sell an affected property, impacting its value by an average of 10%. Half of would-be buyers will walk away from a property known to be infested with knotweed. Sellers are required by law to disclose the presence of knotweed – if they don’t, they risk an expensive misrepresentation claim in the courts.
2. A Growing Problem - Knotweed is programmed to grow, its underground rhizome system extending year on year, infecting more ground. It’s a problem that simply won’t go away on its own, so the sooner it’s tackled the better.
3. Nuisance Neighbours - Knotweed does not respect property boundaries and those who allow it to spread also diminish the value of their neighbour’s property. This can lead to neighbour disputes and costly civil claims under private nuisance legislation.
4. Damage - Knotweed can and does cause damage to property. Perhaps not as bad as some might make you believe, but don’t under-estimate the damage the plant can wreak.
5. DIY Disasters - Knotweed and building or landscaping projects don't mix! If you want to add that conservatory, summer house or home office pod to the garden, tackle the Japanese knotweed first. 
6. The Heavy Hand of the Law -  And for those who are still not convinced, be aware that an injunction or Community Protection Notice, otherwise known as an ASBO, can enforce people to act to remove knotweed from their property

Whilst it’s not illegal to have knotweed on your property, there are compelling reasons to act. Do the responsible thing and get it removed, protect the value of your home and avoid neighbour disputes.

Want to Know How?