Japanese Knotweed : London to be hit by surge in destructive plant after warm winter

The feared weed, which usually appears around May, has already been spotted sprouting across the capital.

 

Described by the Environment Agency as “the UK’s most aggressive and destructive invasive plant”, it can damage foundations, grow through patios, drives and floors, bring down boundary walls and block drains. It can spread up to 10cm a day and has been known to resist poison and fire.

 

Houses have plummeted in value due to its presence, and some lenders have refused to grant mortgages because of it. Environmental scientist Nic Seal, founder of knotweed removal firm Environet, urged people to be “vigilant”, saying: “We have found knotweed across London already.

 

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