Recent research has uncovered some insightful stats regarding the Japanese knotweed hotspots in the UK, which could pose a worry to homeowners in Wales and the West. It has been revealed that the most serious Japanese knotweed hotspots reside along the west coast.

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Selling a house whose garden is infested with Japanese knotweed is a tricky proposition. Japanese knotweed can have an impact on the value of a property, and make your home less desirable in the eyes of potential buyers.

It may be tempting to just play dumb and pretend you're unaware of the invasive species in your back garden, but if you conceal the fact that there is Japanese knotweed on a property you're selling, you may be breaking the law.

Whether you're a homeowner or an estate agent, here are some tips to help you complete the sale AND stay on the right side of the law.

First, make sure it actually IS Japanese knotweed.

If you think there's Japanese knotweed on a property you're trying to sell, your first course of action should be to call an expert.

Note that Japanese knotweed looks quite similar to a number of other plants and weeds - including bindweed, Russian vine, broadleaf dock and ground elder, so we recommend contacting a Japanese knotweed specialist and asking them to carry out a survey of your property.

An experienced professional will be able to confirm whether or not you have a Japanese knotweed problem and advise you on what to do next.

READ MORE: How to Identify Japanese Knotweed

Declare the knotweed presence

Japanese knotweed isn't technically classified as a 'notifiable weed', but since 2013, the Law Society's TA6 form includes a specific question on the subject of Japanese knotweed. Failure to disclose information relating to a knotweed infestation on your property can be deemed a breach of Consumer Protection Rights regulations.

Naturally, such a transgression can have legal ramifications, providing solid grounds for misrepresentation and potentially leaving you open to a lawsuit. So it's best to be honest and upfront about the issue during the entire selling process.

Insurance backed guarantee

If it turns out that you do indeed have Japanese knotweed on your property, it's important to take action as soon as possible. The longer you leave it, the worse the knotweed infestation will get.

Mortgage lenders can be extremely hesitant to lend the full amount if a property has Japanese knotweed. However, lenders can be persuaded - you just need to take a proactive approach.

We recommend finding a Japanese knotweed removal specialist who offers a knotweed insurance backed guarantee, i.e. a warranty that will safeguard you in the event that the infestation should return after treatment.

If you can demonstrate that appropriate removal measures have been implemented, this will potentially convince mortgage lenders to overlook the fact that you have Japanese knotweed on your property (or at last lead them to be more sympathetic to your situation).

READ MORE: Mortgages & Japanese Knotweed

Don't expect a quick fix

Japanese knotweed control can be a lengthy process - several visits will be required, and a complete course of treatment often takes around three years. If you want to maximise your home's value, you may want to refrain from selling until after your knotweed problem has been eradicated.

That being said, if you really are in a rush to sell your house despite the presence of Japanese knotweed, you may be forced to take a hit on the sale price in exchange for speed of the sale. This might mean that lenders are put off, in which case you'll have to take the cash buyer route; as a result, you could see the sale price drop by up to 20% below market value.

Call the professional

Essentially, if you're serious about selling a house that has Japanese knotweed (and you don't fancy dealing with a lawsuit or slashing your sale price), your best option is to call in the pros and get to the root of the problem.

Here at Taylor Total Weed Control, we specialise in Japanese knotweed removal and have over 15 years' experience under our belts. For a long-term solution with an insurance-backed guarantee, Japanese knotweed removal from Taylor Weed Control is the smart choice for you and your property.

Contact us to request a FREE survey

An investigation by The Times has revealed some incredible news regarding Network Rail and an apparent ongoing issue with Japanese knotweed.

According to The Times, Network Rail has received around 11,000 complaints about Japanese knotweed since 2011, equating to an average of 1375 knotweed complaints a year.

Worse still, over half of these complaints were regarding the spread of knotweed from the railways onto nearby homeowners’ private properties.

Impact on Surrounding Properties

The state-owned firm is responsible for maintaining the railways and adjoining land, which includes the containment of weed infestations like Japanese knotweed.

Japanese knotweed is notorious for its invasive attributes and can have a serious impact on a property in terms of its structural integrity, commonly targeting weak points in the sub-structure through cracks and openings.

The alleged lack of treatment by Network Rail has reportedly made it considerably more difficult for thousands of affected homeowners to sell their properties as a result of the knotweed making its way onto their properties.

"We Should Do More"

While the story does certainly paint Network Rail in a negative light, representatives for the railway authority are quick to refute the claims of negligence.

However, despite their rebuttal, they also concede that they could do more. Following the revelations, Environment Manager at Network Rail, Neil Strong, had this to say:

“While we meet our legislative obligations, we believe we should do more. We will always treat any knotweed area flagged to us and are working on enhancing our guidance and protocols to be in line with Property Care Association published codes of practice and thus give the assurance mortgage lenders are looking for.”

Professional Knotweed Removal

Regardless of who’s to blame and what’s been done, there’s no denying that Network Rail’s apparent issues with Japanese knotweed have them in quite a bind, both figuratively and literally.

If you suspect Japanese knotweed is present on your property, don’t allow your property to get side tracked like Network Rail. Leaving the dreaded vine to its own devices can allow your JKW infestation to build up a serious head of steam.

Luckily, here at Taylor Weed Control, we thrive on untangling the messiest of knotweed nuisances. Our first-class team of garden experts have over 15 years’ experience and are more than able to help you get your garden back on track.

Don’t let Japanese knotweed send you off the rails. Give your knotweed woes a one-way ticket out of town with weed eradication services from Taylor Weed Control.

For more information on Japanese knotweed services at Taylor Weed Control, why not get in touch today? Call now on 029 2039 7554 or click the button below to request a FREE knotweed survey.

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A couple from Yardley Wood in Birmingham have become “prisoners in their own home” after a Japanese knotweed infestation quite literally took over their back garden.

As reported in the Birmingham Mail, Chris and Marie Moore have endured “five years of hell” in their council home.

The couple has been forced to helplessly watch the rapid recession of their garden, as Japanese knotweed has slowly but surely overthrown their outdoor space.

Despite having a 70ft garden, the knotweed has eaten up over 60ft of space, rendering their external property virtually useless. The problem has become so bad that the couple can’t even hang their washing out to dry.

A Formidable Foe

The couple has been at the property for 18 years; however, the problem arose five years ago when Mr Moore first spotted the curious vine sticking up from the ground behind his shed.

Without knowing its evil identity, Mr Moore logically decided to cut it back in an effort to nip it in the bud. Unfortunately for the Moores, the mysterious plant didn’t take too kindly to its unsolicited trim and came back fighting.

The vine has since claimed the garden for itself and, despite multiple visits and treatments from Birmingham City Council, the unwavering weed has proved to be a formidable foe that simply doesn’t want to budge.

Even hundreds of pounds worth of store-bought weed-killer administered by Mr Moore wouldn’t touch the vicious vine and the garden has now become a jungle that could easily play host to a scene from Predator.

Professional Weed Killer Services

Sadly, while a visit from Arnie and his crack team of special ops commandos may be able to fend off an otherworldly creature, they wouldn’t do much good in ridding the property of the notoriously durable knotweed.

Luckily, there are plenty of professional options available for the Moores if they wanted to rid their property of the knotweed once and for all. While it may seem like an impossible task, professional knotweed removal is the most effective solution to this issue.

Knotweed Removal Specialists

At Taylor Weed Control, we specialise in knotweed removal and take pride in banishing the demonic garden-dweller from whence it came.

With over 15 years’ industry experience, we’ve built a reputation as Wales’ leading Japanese knotweed removal specialists.

If you think you may have an issue with Japanese knotweed, don’t sit back and wait for it to take over your property. Nip your knotweed problem in the bud and call Taylor Weed Control today.

Our team of experts has the ability to terminate your unwanted guest, once and for all, and ensure that it definitely won’t be back for a sequel. Hasta la vista, weedy!

For more information on Japanese knotweed removal and professional weed killer services, why not get in touch today? Call now on 029 2039 7554 to speak with one of our team or click the button below to get in touch online and request a FREE survey.

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Okay, we know what you’re thinking: "How could I possibly benefit from Japanese knotweed on my property?" After all, Japanese knotweed has earned itself a reputation as Britain’s most hated plant – and rightfully so.

Notorious for its negative impact on properties nationwide – including the ability to drive down house value – the earthy invader from Asia is about as welcome as a pimple on prom night.

That being said, even the worst offenders can have a glimmer of light in their blackened souls and Japanese knotweed is no different.

5 Benefits of Japanese Knotweed

Japanese knotweed can wreak havoc on your property, causing untold damage to structural foundations if left to grow and develop. That part is no secret.

That being said, the vexatious vine does pose some surprising upsides, particularly in the realms of healthcare and alternative medicine.

Japanese knotweed is a great source of resveratrol, as well as being a healthy source vitamin A and C, potassium, phosphorus, zinc and manganese.

As a result, Japanese knotweed has shown to have some interesting benefits. Here are five beneficial perks of Japanese knotweed when implemented into diet and nutrition.

Blood Pressure

Japanese knotweed can have a positive impact on blood flow by contributing to better vasodilation of the arteries.

By modulating blood pressure, the reduction in strain and stress can thereby contribute to better cardiac health. Which brings us nicely to our next perk…

Heart Disease

Poor diet and unhealthy meal choices can inevitably lead to complications down the line, with heart disease a notable consequence of this.

The resveratrol in Japanese knotweed is said to help lessen the effects of heart disease with its cardioprotective qualities, most notably in those with diabetes. Speaking of diabetes…

Diabetes

In addition to contributing to heart health for diabetics, Japanese knotweed can also have a direct effect on insulin absorption.

Resveratrol has been known to help prevent insulin resistance, acting as a blood sugar regulator. For those that suffer from blood sugar related issues, this can be invaluable.

Digestive Health

Japanese knotweed is also said to have a positive effect on gastrointestinal ailments, such as constipation, contributing to digestive health and regularity.

Resveratrol is said to soothe abdominal stress with its natural laxative properties, providing relief from issues including stomach cramps and bloating.

Cognitive Disorders

Perhaps the most renowned health benefit of Japanese knotweed is its positive effect on cognitive health.

Resveratrol has been shown to have a preventative impact on neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, making JKW a supremely beneficial plant for brain health.

Additional Benefits

In addition to the aforementioned health perks, Japanese knotweed is also used for the treatment of oral ailments, like sore throats, gingivitis and even plaque build-up on teeth.

Meanwhile, it’s also commonly used for respiratory issues, such as lung disease, bronchitis and persistent coughs, as well as certain skin disorders.

Japanese Knotweed Removal

If dietary weeds and knotweed nutrition aren’t high on your list of priorities and you simply want shot of these surplus shoots, fear not.

At Taylor Weed Control, we have over 15 years’ experience in dealing with unwelcome, grass-invading guests. We specialise in Japanese knotweed treatment - call today and we'll be more than happy to help untangle your knotweed issues once and for all.

For more information on Japanese knotweed removal, call 029 2039 7554 now or click below to request a FREE Japanese knotweed survey. We will match any written quote from a PCA-registered knotweed removal company.

Request a FREE Survey