We are not all particularly familiar with the various types of plants, flowers and weeds that appear in our garden. The numerous weeds that pop up look pretty much the same as the next and sometimes it is difficult to differentiate a weed from a plant. It is in this situation that we are all in danger of falling foul to Japanese Knotweed. Although sounding a little exotic it has the potential to literally destroy buildings due to its strong root system.
In recent years, an unlucky couple in Hertfordshire were victims of the devastation that this silent assassin, Japanese knotweed, can cause. Their £300,000 home had to be demolished as the knotweed had worked its way into the brickwork and caused irrepairable damage. The weed had spread from nearby waste ground and grew across their garden and onto their newly built home. It managed to penetrate the walls and work its way into the inner walls and skirting boards.
After surveying the damage, they were shocked to discover that their property was now only worth £50,000 and the only truly effective way of removing the japanese knotweed 100% was to demolish the house and start again. This way they will be able to sufficiently treat the weed and be sure that it is completely eradicated.
Another seller of a home saw his almost completed sale fall through because the surveyors of the buyer found a tiny knotweed growth in their garden, so the mortgage lender refused to grant the mortgage.
If you find traces of Japanese Knotweed on or even near your property or your neighbours property then please contact Acorn as soon as possible so we can asses the situation and provide a plan for the knotweed removal.