Google searches for “how to get rid of Japanese knotweed” increased by 217% in April, with one in 20 homes in the UK thought to be affected by the plant.
Japanese knotweed is one the toughest and fastest-growing plants in the world, growing underground to a depth of 3m, and spreading upwards to 7m.
There are roughly 2,500 Google searches each month for ‘How to get rid of Japanese knotweed’, according to research from Stokemont, and Japanese knotweed removal is an essential task to prevent damage to your property.
The bamboo-like plant has been used as an ornamental plant since its introduction into Britain by the Victorians, but is now considered to be the UK’s most invasive and destructive plant.
Japanese knotweed has the potential to reduce the price of your property by 5-15%, according to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The damage it can cause includes destructuring pipework and drains and weakening building foundations or paving.
Japanese Knotweed Hotspots
Bolton is the most badly affected location for Japanese knotweed in the UK, according to new research published this week by Environnet. Bolton has 684 infestations within a 2.5-mile radius of the town centre. Bristol came in second (472) and St Helens in third (441).
Approximately one in 20 homes are currently affected by knotweed, either directly or indirectly, Environnet says.
The plant can be identified by its creamy white flowers which bloom in the summer. It hibernates through winter before reawakening and spreading in the spring, when it can start to expand by up to several inches a day.
Bradley McKenzie, property surveyor at Stokemont, says: “It is really important to clearly check and take immediate and thorough eradication actions before it gets too late. We would highly recommend you seek professional help when removing them as they re-establish easily from even the smallest remains.
"If you prefer doing it yourself, pesticide would be the most effective method to kill those zombie-like plants.”
