General Knotweed, mortgages and treatment
How do I know if it is Japanese knotweed?
Look at the stem: it is hollow like bamboo, flecked with purple and grows in a zig-zag, with a node at each bend. Leaves are shield-shaped with a flat base. Late summer brings creamy flower sprays, and in winter you are left with brown, brittle canes. The fastest check is to send us a photo.
Is it illegal to have knotweed in my garden?
No, owning it is not an offence. Letting it spread into the wild is, and the waste has to be handled as controlled waste. If it crosses onto a neighbour's land you could face a claim.
Will knotweed stop me getting a mortgage?
It does not have to. Lenders mostly want to see a survey, a treatment plan and an insurance-backed guarantee that can pass to the next owner.
How long does treatment take?
A spraying programme normally runs three to five growing seasons and is then monitored. Excavation takes days, but costs more.
Can I just dig it out myself?
It is a poor idea. Small fragments of rhizome regrow, and the soil you lift cannot go in a skip or the green bin without proper handling.
Does knotweed damage houses?
It exploits weak points such as cracked paving, drains, walls and outbuildings. Sound foundations are seldom the issue, but it will still hit a valuation and a sale.
What if it is coming from my neighbour?
Have it surveyed so the extent and direction of spread are on record. That record is what you take to the neighbour or their landlord.
Should I cut it back or strim it?
No. Cutting scatters fragments and reduces how well spraying works. Leave it as it is until it has been assessed.
What do I have to declare when I sell?
The TA6 asks directly about knotweed. If it is present, say so and attach the management plan. An incorrect answer can come back on you later.
How much does knotweed removal cost?
For a normal garden or yard, a multi-year spraying programme often lands between about £1,000 and £3,000. Excavation costs more because of the soil and disposal. You get a written price after the survey.
Do you cover all of Salford?
Yes — Salford and the towns around it across M5, M6, M7, M27, M28 and M30.