General Knotweed, mortgages and treatment
How do I know if it is Japanese knotweed?
Check the stem first: knotweed stems are hollow like bamboo, speckled purple, with a ring at each joint and a zig-zag shape. The leaves are broad with a straight edge at the base. In autumn you will see little white flower sprays, and in winter brown dead canes. A photo to us is the quickest way to be sure.
Is it illegal to have knotweed in my garden?
Having it is not a crime. Causing it to spread into the wild is, and cut material has to be disposed of as controlled waste. If it spreads to next door, the neighbour may have a claim against you.
Will knotweed stop me getting a mortgage?
Not normally, as long as there is a proper treatment plan in place. Lenders tend to ask for the survey, the plan and a guarantee that transfers to the buyer.
How long does treatment take?
Spraying usually runs for three to five seasons, then monitoring. Digging it out is done in days but costs more.
Can I just dig it out myself?
Best not. Tiny pieces of root regrow, and you are left with soil you cannot put in the green bin or a skip without the right paperwork.
Does knotweed damage houses?
It takes advantage of cracks and weak spots — flags, drains, walls and lightweight outbuildings. Sound house foundations are rarely the problem, but it still affects sales and valuations.
What if it is coming from my neighbour?
Get it surveyed so there is a record of where it is and which way it is spreading. That is what you need to raise it with them or their landlord.
Should I cut it back or strim it?
No — strimming spreads pieces around and can make spraying less effective. Leave it alone until it has been looked at.
What do I have to declare when I sell?
The TA6 form asks directly. If you have it, say so and include the management plan. A wrong answer can come back on you after the sale.
How much does knotweed removal cost?
For a typical yard or garden, a spraying programme is usually somewhere between £1,000 and £3,000 across several years. Digging out costs more because of the soil that has to go. You get a written price after the survey.
Do you cover all of Wigan?
Yes — Wigan and its surrounding towns and villages across WN1–WN6.