Invasive plant grips Oxfordshire as warning is issued
Japanese knotweed first arrived in UK in the Victorian times and was quickly adopted by gardeners and horticulturalists, who were unaware of its invasive nature.
Since then it has spread widely and can pose serious problems for homeowners.
Underground rhizomes can grow up to three metres deep and spread up to seven metres horizontally, emerging through cracks in concrete, tarmac driveways, pathways, drains and cavity walls.
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While serious damage to property is rare, since mortgage lenders require knotweed to be dealt with when a property is sold, it can cause legal disputes between neighbours and reduce a property's value by approximately five per cent.
There are a total of 394 verified knotweed sightings in Oxfordshire, or 0.39 incidences in every square mile.
A map by invasive plant specialist Environet has revealed where the hotspots of Japanese knotweed are in Oxfordshire.
The most are in Oxford where 85 incidences of Japanese knotweed were reported. In Banbury that is 27, Henley has 26, Bicester has 25 and Chipping Norton has 23.
Meanwhile in Wllingford there are 17 incidences of Japanese knotweed followed closely by Kidlington at 16, 13 in Abingdon and 11 in both Woodstock and Witney.
Map showing where the knotweed is at its worse (Image: Environet)
Environet director Emily Grant said: 'By mapping verified sightings, we're helping people understand the level of risk in their local area and encouraging early identification and treatment.
'Vigilance is the best way to protect your property from Japanese knotweed, making sure you tackle it as early as possible before it becomes well established.
'At this time of year, knotweed is in full growth mode and easy to spot with its bright green heart-shaped leaves which grow in a zigzag pattern up the stems.
'Mature plants flower around August, when they produce clusters of tiny white blooms.
'If you do suspect you have knotweed on or near your property, you can email a photo to us at expert@environetuk.com and we'll identify it for free.
'If it is knotweed, a survey will determine the extent of the infestation and the best way to treat it, whether that's digging it out of the ground, herbicide treating it or a combination of both.
'Public engagement is key in the fight against knotweed, and by reporting new sightings homeowners can play an important role in controlling this invasive plant and protecting property values.'
Knotweed begins to emerge in early spring, quickly growing into lush green shrubs with pink-flecked stems, heart-shaped leaves and bamboo-like canes.
A 2023 DEFRA report put the cost of tackling knotweed to the UK economy at nearly £250 million a year.
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