A UK-wide map has shown areas of concern within Edinburgh when it comes to invasive plant Japanese knotweed.
The knotweed plant is not only a nuisance for homeowners, but it can cause damage to buildings with its fast-spreading tendrils. The presence of this plant can cause house prices to drop drastically, which is frustrating for those trying to sell their homes in the capital.
A new map from invasive plant experts, Environet, has shown people where the plant is growing across the UK - and Edinburgh is a current hotspot for Japanese knotweed.
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The map is colour-coded, ranging from yellow for the least amount to a dark red for the highest number of knotweed found.
Is there Japanese knotweed in Edinburgh?
According to the Environet map, Edinburgh has been marked as an area of concern for Japanese knotweed. The city and surrounding areas - including East and West Lothian - are covered in red, showing a high number of reported sightings of the plant.
When hovering over the centre of the city, the map tells us that there are 48 occurrences of the plant within 4km of the city centre. In the Dalry neighbourhood of Edinburgh, there are 79 reported occurrences within 4km.
And another highly reported area of concern is the Gilmerton area of the capital, with 73 occurrences within 4km.
Areas of concern out with Edinburgh include the following:
- Auchendinny
- Penicuik
- East Calder
- Broxburn
- Kirkliston
- Musselburgh
- Balerno
What does Japanese knotweed look like, and can you get rid of it?
According to EnvironetUK, Japanese knotweed is a perennial weed, producing tall canes, up to seven feet in height during the summer. The plant dies off in winter, and can be hard to spot during this time.
Japanese knotweed is not illegal, but it can be reported if it is causing nuisance, and homeowners must keep it under control. You can be prosecuted for allowing the plant to spread into the wild.
It can be treated chemically, but this can take up to three years to rid the plant from the ground. Other options include burying or burning the plant after removing it - but the Environment Agency must be notified before you do so.
More information, and photos, can be found on the EnvironetUK website.
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