Surrey’s Japanese Knotweed hotspots mapped as invasive plant …

Guildford and Woking have been revealed as Surrey’s Japanese Knotweed hotspots in 2023 with 90 and 87 infestations reported in each area respectively. This is according to invasive plant removal specialists at Enrivonet[1] who have mapped the areas worst affected by knotweed in the UK.

Data from the company shows that of the 90 occurrences of Japanese Knotweed in Guildford[2], 42 were reported within 4km of the town centre. In Woking[3], there were 51 within 4km of the town’s centre with a further 106 mapped nearby.

Environet named Godalming[4] (60), Hindhead (56), and Dorking[5] (42) as Surrey’s other areas with the most infestations in 2023. The company’s map also showed Epsom[6], Walton[7], Cobham[8], and Staines[9] to have had a high number of Japanese Knotweed reports. Environet estimated there are more than 58,000 Japanese Knotweed infestations across the country.

Environet founder, Nic Seal, claimed: “Vigilance is the best way to protect your property from the risks posed by Japanese knotweed.” He warned: “Make sure you know what knotweed looks like and how it differs from other common garden weeds like ivy and bindweed, so you can keep an eye out for it in your garden and neighbourhood.”

Mr Seal added: “Knotweed is easily identifiable during summer, but as we head through the autumn and into winter, the above-ground growth dies back and it becomes much harder to spot. It’s also easier to conceal, so anyone viewing a property to buy should be extra careful. There are lots of horror stories out there, but with professional help, knotweed can be successfully treated and a property’s value can be largely restored.”

What is Japanese Knotweed?

Japanese Knotweed has been described as the UK’s “most invasive plant” by Environet and is known to potentially cause damage to properties and may cause problems when people want to sell land. It is also said to cost the UK economy nearly £250 million each year.

Japanese Knotweed typically emerges in March or April and can grow to 2.5 metres in height by mid-summer. The plant can be identified by its hard, bamboo-like canes and distinctive shield-shaped bright green leaves that grow in a zig-zag pattern along the stem.

Mature plants flower in August and become covered in clusters of delicate tasselled creamy-white flowers. In the UK, the plant does not produce viable seeds but can be spread accidentally through the movement of soil, gardening waste, or in rivers and streams.

What should you do if spot Japanese knotweed?

According to Environet, you should email a photo of the suspected Japanese Knotweed to specialist removal experts who can help commission a survey that will confirm the extent of the infestation and how to treat it. Environet added that you will need to declare the infestation if you are selling your property, “even if the infestation is removed”.

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References

  1. ^ Enrivonet (www.environetuk.com)
  2. ^ Guildford (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
  3. ^ Woking (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
  4. ^ Godalming (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
  5. ^ Dorking (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
  6. ^ Epsom (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
  7. ^ Walton (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
  8. ^ Cobham (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
  9. ^ Staines (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
  10. ^ Locals dubb 'eyesore' toilets Haslemere's new 'lido' in cheeky protest (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
  11. ^ Surrey drivers warned of overnight A3 closures as map shows 20-mile diversion route (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
  12. ^ HERE. (www.getsurrey.co.uk)

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