Glaister Consultancy for invasive weeds

Invasive Weed Surveys

By law, in England and Wales, the presence (historic or current) of Japanese knotweed must be declared on the TA6 form when a property goes up for sale. As such, knotweed can impact the sale of the property, particularly when a mortgage lender is involved, as they can use the knotweed as a reason not to lend. There is also a stigma attached to knotweed, resulting from decades of scaremongering and sensationalist stories by both the media and some less than scrupulous contractors, which can result in buyer reluctance.

And it’s not just Japanese knotweed. Troubles arising from some of the more invasive species of bamboo are becoming more widely recognised. The two principal issues of knotweed and bamboo affecting homeowners are the impact they can have on the sale of the property and concerns about encroachment problems. These issues can also arise from the presence of other invasive plants.

Many of the objections triggered as a result of these plants during a sale can be headed off with a comprehensive and factual Invasive Weed Report. Such a report is highly recommended to calm buyer’s concerns and satisfy mortgage lender requirements. A report is also essential if an Insurance-Backed Guarantee is required on any work programmes (mortgage lenders typically demand such a guarantee be in place as a condition of lending).

Clients using our surveying services include developers, private homeowners, housing associations, landowners and local authorities. Jim Glaister, as a Certificated Surveyor in Japanese Knotweed (CSJK), has considerable expertise in producing reports and management plans for clients.

Have a plant but unsure if it’s knotweed, a problematic bamboo, etc.? We offer a free identification service. Please email us a photograph and we will confirm or otherwise (subject to the clarity of the image) whether the plant in question is something to be concerned about.

We also offer a verification service, whereby we will inspect a property for any visual evidence of Japanese knotweed (or other invasive plants) and provide a brief report of our findings.