Anyone who likes to get out into nature for a springtime walk has been warned to look out for a highly invasive weed.
Japanese knotweed can be found all over town and countryside areas and can spread extremely fast. With the ability to grow up to seven feet tall, it's notorious for damaging properties by growing up drainpipes and down driveways.
It can be incredibly difficult or even impossible to get the problem under control yourself, so the only way to deal with it is by contacting an expert to do it for you and making any necessary repairs - which can end up being extremely costly.
Wales Online reports that it's important to make sure the early shoots of the plant don't get anywhere near your home in the first place.
Paul Hampson, managing director of law firm CEL Solicitors, says it’s important people are aware of what to look for.
He explained: "Japanese knotweed was brought to the UK in the nineteenth century as a decorative plant.
"The plant is actually relatively attractive and starts growing in early spring, with its first shoots looking a bit like asparagus stems. One of the most common ways it spreads is through footwear and clothing, so if you have a brush with it on a leisurely stroll it could spell disaster for your home and garden.
"By early summer it can be two metres high with small white flowers at the tip. As autumn sets in, the plant will start to die back and the roots can look a bit like bamboo canes. The problem is because the knotweed grows so quickly.
"It will often overtake other vegetation and where there is weakness in buildings or structures, such as homes or sheds, it can grow through."
The weed can be spread through contaminated soil, which can be brought into your garden or home from footwear or the wheels of a vehicle.
Paul continued: "While it isn’t illegal to have Japanese knotweed on your property, it is a big problem.
"Not only is it expensive to treat but it can affect the value of your home and if it spreads to your neighbour’s home you may find they have a legal claim against you. Because of the costs involved, it’s worth speaking to a legal team if you feel the Japanese knotweed is present through no fault of your own."
If you find Japanese knotweed on your property it’s advised to seek help immediately from experts to identify the scale of the problem. Its resilient root system means Japanese knotweed cannot simply be pulled out, and it’s illegal to try and remove the plant yourself unless you are an expert.
Without appropriate action the plant will continue to grow. Paul continued: "It’s really important you bring professionals in to deal with Japanese knotweed.
"Failing to do so may mean you open yourself up to legal action."
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