Revealed: Japanese knotweed infestation hot spots in Sussex Brighton News

With over 54,000 known Japanese knotweed infestations, which traces the plant’s spread across the UK, Exposed is advising homeowners and potential buyers of the local presence of Japanese knotweed and the potential risk to their property.

Users can enter a zip code to find the number of reported knotweed sightings nearby, with hot spots highlighted in yellow or red.

Japanese knotweed infestations in Sussex within a 4 km radius for 2021 are:

1. Hastings – 53
2. Portslade-by-sea – 34
3. Brighton – 32
4. East Grinstead U19
5. Bexhill-on-Sea – 16

After its winter hibernation, knotweed begins to grow in March or April, depending on local soil temperature, reaching up to three meters in height by mid-summer.

Homeowners spending more time in their gardens this spring may notice purple or red asparagus-like shoots emerging from the ground and quickly developing into lush green shrubs with heart-shaped or shovel-shaped leaves and rose-speckled stems. .

Growing through cracks in concrete, driveways, patios, paths, drains, and even cavity walls in our homes, Japanese knotweed can reduce a property’s value by 10% and make it difficult to sell, sell, or sell. Unless a professional treatment plan is in place with an insurance backed guarantee to satisfy mortgage lenders.

Around 5% of homes are currently affected, either directly or indirectly (near an affected property), according to Environet research, causing around £ 20bn in UK house prices to drop.

The general public can help in the fight against knotweed by reporting suspicious plants using the heat map “add observation” feature and attaching a photo for expert review.

Mat Day, Regional Director of Environet, said, “Knowledge is power when it comes to Japanese knotweed and this heat map is invaluable to homeowners and buyers who want to assess the risk in their area.

“With the extension of the stamp duty holiday and the start of foreclosure restrictions, the real estate market is busier than ever – but not doing the proper checks for knotweed can be a costly mistake.

“Despite its appalling reputation, with professional help, the plant can be treated and the value of a property largely restored. I urge anyone buying or selling a property, or homeowners wishing to preserve the value of their home, to be vigilant for signs of spring growth and to check Exposed to see if they live in a high risk area.