Japanese Knotweed

[wgll]

Panicking ... slightly

Bought a house in November. Survey was done around October time, no concerns around Japanese Knotweed. Saw the place in the Summer, nothing visible.

Came back from Easter break and there's a single stem on our back fence (about 30cm) that I'm worried is JKW.

Has anyone had this situation and could advise what to do?

It's worth knowing that the RICS is now recommending that JKW, certainly in small amounts, shouldn't be any reason to not get a mortgage - for all the fearmongering it's not a structural threat to buildings with foundations (it can damage sheds and exterior walls) and it's not indestructable or impossible to get under control. I don't know how quickly lenders will respond to this, though.

DH got rid of it himself in our last place with glyphosphate - if it is KW do check instructions carefully and be very careful of how you dispose of remains is the main thing. It was a pain for us as we were just on the border of it being long enough to declare it gone (but we had to declare it as upstairs neighbour knew), but at the same time we couldn't get a professional treatment and warranty, as there wasn't anything to treat! Luckily we had a buyer who wasn't bothered about it in the end.

But hopefully lenders will stop being ridiculous about it soon.

I ran the first photo thru LeafSnap and it suggested black bindweed. It did say JKW for the lead photo but also black bindweed as a possible alternative.

Thank you all really helpful - am going to get an identification. I’ve lifted a paving slab in from of it and can see two shoots that have died back/been cut back.

If it is knotweed has anyone had any luck with any recourse from sellers?

check your docs - you might have an insurance policy against it - I got one when I bought my house a few years ago, advised by solicitor. It covers removal if it is found on my land.

also - that really looks like bindweed - JKW is not a climber, it's a bush, it is free standing not clinging to surfaces.

https://www.environetuk.com/japanese-knotweed/identification

Looks like bindweed to me too. Stay with a glyphosate based weed killer