Japanese knotweed

Cadiz Seagull · Jul 11, 2017

My daughter just bought a house only to find she has Japanese knotweed in the garden. She didn't know what it was when she looked round prior to buying, any more than I would have known.

But it wasn't mentioned in the report by the Bank valuer even though there is quite a lot of it and it is close to the house.

In the standard completion questionnaire the sellers were asked if there was any Japanese knotweed and said no. When asked about this after completion by my daughters solicitor when she realised it was in the garden the sellers said they had no idea what it was. This may or may not have been true of course, but hard to prove one way or the other.

Anybody else had Japanese knotweed problems? Any (helpful) suggestions or advice would be much appreciated.

bhanutz · Jul 11, 2017

Take the sellers to court for supplying false information!

Green Cross Code Man · Jul 11, 2017

I really hope this doesn't price to be a costly mistake as Japanese knotweed is very difficult to remove.

Dolph Ins · Jul 11, 2017

It's a long slog with glyphosphate. Use it double strength. Some people say cut the knotweed down and pour the glyphosphate down the hollow stems. I have got rid of it several times but you need to keep at it regularly

golddene · Jul 11, 2017

Cadiz Seagull said:
My daughter just bought a house only to find she has Japanese knotweed in the garden. She didn't know what it was when she looked round prior to buying, any more than I would have known.

But it wasn't mentioned in the report by the Bank valuer even though there is quite a lot of it and it is close to the house.

In the standard completion questionnaire the sellers were asked if there was any Japanese knotweed and said no. When asked about this after completion by my daughters solicitor when she realised it was in the garden the sellers said they had no idea what it was. This may or may not have been true of course, but hard to prove one way or the other.

Anybody else had Japanese knotweed problems? Any (helpful) suggestions or advice would be much appreciated.

I don't think not knowing what it is would hold up as a defence, if you sign a legal document stating no to a question it has to be your responsibility to ensure that the question answered is true. As for the plant, it's a right ******* to get rid of and could take a number of seasons to ensure its eradication, there are specialised companies who deal with this plant and they have to return quite a lot to treat it etc. Do not leave it act immediately as structural damage can be caused as it grows very rapidly and foundations are no problem to it. Very bad news and I have nothing but sympathy for your Daughter.

Notters · Jul 11, 2017

Hi, though it's not my area, my company are one of the top national (and local) experts in this - www.phlorum.com.

If you call our office someone will be happy to talk through any queries you have for free. 01273 307167

They are also linked to a legal firm that deal specifically with this issue.

It sounds like you have a good case too.

Hope Bozza doesn't mind me advertising!

The Birdman · Jul 11, 2017

It may be worth speaking to your local council

BBassic · Jul 11, 2017

Cadiz Seagull said:
My daughter just bought a house only to find she has Japanese knotweed in the garden. She didn't know what it was when she looked round prior to buying, any more than I would have known.

But it wasn't mentioned in the report by the Bank valuer even though there is quite a lot of it and it is close to the house.

In the standard completion questionnaire the sellers were asked if there was any Japanese knotweed and said no. When asked about this after completion by my daughters solicitor when she realised it was in the garden the sellers said they had no idea what it was. This may or may not have been true of course, but hard to prove one way or the other.

Anybody else had Japanese knotweed problems? Any (helpful) suggestions or advice would be much appreciated.

Court, absolutely.

brightn'ove · Jul 11, 2017

Agree that she should take them to court

nicko31 · Jul 11, 2017

Don't tell your insurer, they will run a mile.

Problem is seller may say it has since occurred, take photo's as evidence now and get a independent report and have it treated ASAP

Harry Wilson's tackle · Jul 11, 2017

A mate of mine owned a company that eradicated Japanese knotweed, and I used to get endless chat about the thing. As others have indicated, council, court and professional eradicators will all be required. Sorry.

Cadiz Seagull · Jul 11, 2017

bhanutz said:
Take the sellers to court for supplying false information!

And how do we prove they knew it was Japanese Knotweed? If it had been my house I wouldn't have known, unless someone told me

Notters · Jul 11, 2017

Cadiz Seagull said:
And how do we prove they knew it was Japanese Knotweed? If it had been my house I wouldn't have known, unless someone told me

Because they ticked "no" - they should have ticked "don't know" unless they knew how to identify it. Just give Paul Beckett a call on the number above and he will explain all.

The Birdman · Jul 11, 2017

Cadiz Seagull said:
And how do we prove they knew it was Japanese Knotweed? If it had been my house I wouldn't have known, unless someone told me

Ask the niebour

Green Cross Code Man · Jul 11, 2017

Cadiz Seagull said:
And how do we prove they knew it was Japanese Knotweed? If it had been my house I wouldn't have known, unless someone told me

If it were your house, you would have found out sooner or later. The thing is a thug (and I say this having grown well over 50 species of bamboo) and would have caused you a problem.

GOM · Jul 11, 2017

See the government environment website for info https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prevent-the-spread-of-harmful-invasive-and-non-native-plants

ofco8 · Jul 11, 2017

Doesn't help the OP but my niece was well into the process of buying a house in Worthing and then surveyor's report spotted JK.
She withdrew immediately.

AmexRuislip · Jul 11, 2017

GOM said:
See the government environment website for info https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prevent-the-spread-of-harmful-invasive-and-non-native-plants

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prevent-japanese-knotweed-from-spreading
:thumbsup:

Chicken Run · Jul 11, 2017

Also removal is not something to be done on the cheap, it's the gardens version of asbestos!!!

Edit should say removal of asbestos!

Chicken Run · Jul 11, 2017

Notters said:
Because they ticked "no" - they should have ticket "don't know" unless they knew how to identify it. Just give Paul Beckett a call on the number above and he will explain all.

Very much this

Got something to say or just want fewer pesky ads? Join us... 😊

Japanese knotweed

Grey bearded old man

Well-known member

Wunt be druv

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

New member

I changed this.

cringe

Well-known member

Harry Wilson's Tackle

Grey bearded old man

Well-known member

New member

Wunt be druv

living vicariously

Well-known member

Trainee Spy 🕵️‍♂️

Member Since Jul 2003

Member Since Jul 2003

Share this page