Where is Japanese knotweed found in London?
Japanese knotweed is a problem for homeowners, property developers and land owners across London. It affects people and commercial businesses alike. Homeowners can face devaluation of property and issues with selling if they do not deal with the infestation properly, and for construction, the presence of knotweed will put projects on hold. Here we answer the most common asked questions that we receive on a daily basis.
Whilst we help clients and homeowners across England, Scotland and Wales to manage or eradicate Japanese knotweed, London is consistently one of our top locations, so which areas of London are the worst for knotweed infestations? Independent studies show that across South East London there are lots of hotspots with Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich being top of the list for locations with knotweed, with Enfield and Brent being the highest areas in North and North West London.
Why is London a knotweed hotspot?
Japanese knotweed thrives in any climate or environment but it spreads voraciously when disturbed. With cities being more developed than countryside areas its most likely that construction has played its part in making knotweed infestations more prevalent in London. Fragments of the plant’s rhizome (roots) can also easily be spread by homeowners digging their garden and unknowingly transporting fragments outside their property.
I live in London, How can I tell if I have knotweed near me?
Japanese knotweed can be difficult to spot or identify to an untrained eye. With several plant species looking very similar to Japanese knotweed it can easily be missed and that’s a bigger problem. Knotweed spreads via underground root systems (rhizomes) which means in its dormant wintering state it looks completely different (brown woody canes) or may not be visible above ground at all. In reality you could be just feet away from a knotweed infestation on a neighbouring property and not know about it until the plant springs up on your side of the fence.
So, to answer that question the best option is to have a professional knotweed survey carried out.
How worried should I be about Japanese knotweed in London?
If you suspect you have Japanese knotweed on your property or land you can send us some pictures using our free identification service and you’ll quickly get an answer. A more secure answer would be provided from having a survey carried out by one of our CSJK qualified surveyors. If you do have knotweed you may be initially concerned about what to do and how it may affect your property, but having identified the issue we will help resolve it.
A treatment plan will reassure not just you but potential buyers should you wish to sell up, or if you just want to get rid of the knotweed we can advise you on excavation options.
Getting rid of knotweed in London
Our surveyors and operatives work across London and its boroughs to get knotweed under control, or simply get rid of it. There are many myths about “killing” knotweed, but the truth is this plant can only be controlled or removed. Herbicides applied to the plant at the right time(s) of the year over a 3-5 year period will control its above ground growth however the rhizomes underneath remain viable for many years, so the best solution is to have it completely removed by excavating the ground and removing all knotweed material from site so no fragments are left to generate new plants.
Our London based knotweed services
We are based in London. Get in touch today to kick start the process of finding out if your London property has a knotweed infestation.