February heatwave prompts early shoots of Japanese knotweed

The unseasonably warm weather in February might have been a boon to gardeners, but it also gave a boost to the garden pest that is Japanese knotweed.

The invasive plant usually emerges in late March or early April, but February's unusual heatwave prompted its appearance in the likes of North Devon.

Ground temperatures at this time of year are usually around 4C, but in February, west Wales reported a record high for February of 20.6C.

That means the plant, which is considered a high risk to property, has been able to grow its shoots earlier than normal.

Its early growth was noted by Environet, a firm that specialises in removing the plant and has created an innovative heatmap that allows homeowners to add sightings of the plant across the UK.

Knowing there is Japanese knotweed on a property can be an issue for mortgage lenders, so anyone looking to buy a home should engage an experienced chartered surveyor who can use their expertise to discern its presence and advise on its effect on land and property.

Knotweed can grow in property foundations, appearing in patios, driveways, cavity walls and drains.

At Surveyor Local, we only work with chartered surveyors who are members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) who follow its detailed guidance on Japanese knotweed, providing home buyers with the crucial information they need on whether to proceed with a house purchase.

Talk to Surveyor Local now on 0800 038 6677 to arrange the right RICS Level 3 Survey for your purchase. Our friendly team can arrange a survey with a quick turnaround delivered by a local chartered surveyor.