What happens if I choose not to treat or remove knotweed?
This is a common concern for anyone who discovers – or is informed that – they have knotweed on their property. And with more government legislation around knotweed control this is one topic not to ignore! In this article, we’ll explain the perils of not treating knotweed and why postponing or ignoring knotweed treatment can lead to significant issues and expenses.
- Rising costs: Delaying treatment can become more expensive over time, as knotweed grows voraciously ignoring treatment allows it to carry on spreading. Although we can’t provide exact figures, costs can increase due to market changes, supplier pricing, or as mentioned a larger infestation to deal with that can become more difficult to remove.
- Quote validity: Our treatment quotes are valid for 90 days. If you wait longer than this, you may need a new quote, and risk that the price could be higher.
- Encroachment risks: Sometimes it’s better to act quickly rather than wait and see what happens, because knotweed can spread onto neighbouring land or maybe it has already done so, which could lead to additional responsibilities or neighbourly disputes.
- Self-treatment limitations: If you choose to treat knotweed yourself, you likely won’t be eligible for an Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG). The criteria for an IBG require a qualified contractor to inspect and treat the knotweed. Without this guarantee you may find it harder to sell your property. Additionally there’s the threat of knotweed returning as any knotweed fragments left in the ground will grow into new plants, and herbicide applied incorrectly or at the wrong time will not be fully effective.
- Guarantee coverage: Some of our clients have previously used providers who do not offer IBGs and have then later needed one for property sales. Our guarantee only covers work we carry out, so if you think knotweed has been eradicated by someone else and when it reappears you ask us to resolve the issue, we cannot provide a guarantee for treatments performed by other knotweed contractors, only our own works.
- Enduring risk: Knotweed can remain dormant underground for up to 20 years, re-sprouting whenever conditions are favourable. Even minor soil disturbance can trigger new outbreaks. So whilst it may be tempting to leave that one small bit of knotweed because you’re building a summerhouse in front of it – the risk of knotweed taking over your property and neighbouring properties gets higher day by day. Many legal cases have concluded with significant legal fees and fines for the property owner who didn’t declare it to the purchaser – not to mention the cost to remove it by the new owner.
- Property devaluation: Legal firms quote properties with knotweed can lose up to 15% of their market value. However, once a treatment plan is in place and with an IBG, that figure reduces significantly. In real terms a property worth £250,000 could see their sale price drop by £37,500.
The perils of not treating knotweed – conclusion
In summary, ignoring knotweed or delaying professional treatment often leads to higher costs, legal complications, and reduced protection for your property. Our advice is if you think you may have knotweed ask us to identify it, and then we can advise on next steps and quote for works.