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It has been estimated that the discovery of Japanese knotweed on a development site can add around 10% to the development budget due to the cost of treatment and disposal. Left uncontrolled, it can quickly dominate a garden and spread to adjoining properties. It can also spread into foundations and boundary walls. Common problems caused by knotweed are:
- Damage to paving, tarmac, driveways, etc
- Damage to walls, foundations, etc. (knotweed has been discovered growing under suspended floors with minimal light)
- Shading of light to windows and gardens due to height of growth
- Damage to flood defence structures
- Damage to archaeological sites
- Displacing of native flora and fauna
- Reduction in land and property values
- Increased risk of flooding through dead stems washing into river and stream channels
- Increased risk of soil erosion and bank instability following removal of established stands in riparian areas
- Restriction of access to riverbanks for bank inspection and amenity use
- Accumulation of litter in mature stands
- Aesthetically displeasing
It is worth remembering that to every knotweed problem there is a solution. If you would like advice or practical assistance please contact Wreford on the number below.
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Disruption of knotweed material can result in each knotweed fragment producing new growth. Knotweed ‘peppered’ across a site like this will be much more difficult and costly to remove.
Excavation along a site boundary reveals a heavy presence of knotweed rhizome (orange internal colour) spreading from the adjacent property under the fence. Rhizomes can grow up to 3 metres deep
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