Japanese knotweed is growing months ahead of normal in parts of the UK according to a national trade body.
Mild winter weather has prompted unusually early sightings of the invasive plant, according to the Property Care Association (PCA).
Japanese knotweed, which originated in the Far East, has thrived in Britain in recent years.
Steve Hodgson, PCA chief executive, said: “We’ve had reports from our members of the plant taking hold earlier than usual.
“Japanese knotweed is just a plant and we are taking all steps necessary to ‘normalise’ it, so it is viewed generally as any other type of property problem, in that it can be identified and treated, with minimal impact.
“However, its effective eradication is a job for the experts, so it’s vitally important for anyone who thinks they might have an issue to seek advice.”
Usually the species does not appear until April, but mild, wet conditions are thought to have created perfect conditions for early growth. The widespread flooding seen across the UK could also have spread the plant’s seeds further than normal.
The presence of the destructive plant can devalue land and property and lead to the refusal of mortgages on properties affected by it and the PCA is urging caution in tackling it.
Comments
Thanks for the heads up. Gotta go and check up on a couple of customers then. They have not said anything as yet, but may not been in the garden looking.