December house hunters warned to be on look out for 'hidden' destructive plant
House hunters have been warned to be on the look out for a destructive plant which could be lurking in gardens of prospective properties.
The Japanese knotweed was introduced to this country as an ornamental garden plant, but it's now categorised as invasive weed subject to legal control measures, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
The presence of the pesky plant on your property can make it more difficult to get a mortgage, thanks to it's ability to spread rapidly and affect the value of the home, reports the Mirror.
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And gardening experts are warning that winter is when the pesky plant can hide, and even be hidden, and are warning people looking to buy a house to be vigilant about it.
Known for its heart or shovel-shaped leaves, Japanese knotweed dies back in the colder months leaving behind canes until it grows again in the springtime. This means it can become harder to spot at this time of year.
Sellers could even resort to hiding the stalks from potential buyers despite laws which state its presence must be alerted to house hunters.
Nic Seal, expert in invasive plants at Environet UK, warned: "Risks to homebuyers are considerably greater during winter, when knotweed is easier to hide. As well as removing the dead canes and covering the crowns, we've seen cases where it has been covered with decking, had a pathway or patio laid over it, or even a shed."
If you buy a house with Japanese knotweed in the winter, it will make its presence known come spring. That's when the reddish-purple shoots will fly up and they quickly become bamboo-like stalks which can be as high as 7ft tall.
It's then easy to spot - it has purple speckles and branches with the uniquely-shaped leaves on them. By late summer time, white flowers have bloomed and they can grow up to six inches in height.
Since 2013, legislation requires sellers to reveal the presence of Japanese knotweed on their property using a TA6 form – the mandatory document during property transactions. A professional eradication plan must be provided if it's found in their garden.
The (RHS) urges diligence and warned: "Disputes over the identity of a plant, the failure to disclose its presence, or the lack of a management plan can result in delays, increased costs later in the buying process, or even a possible misrepresentation claim after the sale."
While growing Japanese knotweed isn't a legal offence, homeowners could face legal action if they don't control the plant and it causes issues locally. Disposing of it requires licensed sites as it can regrow from minute rhizome - root stalks - pieces.
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