A map of Glasgow has shown some of the worst spots in the city and surrounding area when it comes to Japanese knotweed.
The plant is not only invasive but it is also damaging and could cause house prices to plummet.
Any mention of the invasive species is enough to cause dread for any homeowner due to it being notorious for spreading fast and causing damage to building structures. The problems it can cause can vary, but because it is known to cause havoc for some, sellers are now legally required to disclose if their property is or has been affected by the plant.
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Native to East Asia, knotweed was introduced into the UK back in 1850 by German botanist Philipp Franz von Siebold, unaware of the damage it could cause, reports the Mirror.
The fast-growing weed is now "indisputably the UK's most aggressive, destructive and invasive plant", according to the Environment Agency. In one case a homeowner recently, and successfully, sued the previous owner £700,000 after they discovered knotweed behind the garden shed.
To keep track of the latest recordings, a new map from invasive plant specialists, Environet, shows homeowners and homebuyers exactly where the weed is growing across the country.
The interactive heatmap is generated with data from over 50,000 known infestations with new sightings are added daily.
The map is colour coded, with no colour meaning there are no known recordings of knotweed. This is followed by yellow and red with the darkest colour signifying more of the plant.
Is there Japanese knotweed in Glasgow?
According to the map, Glasgow is an area of concern. The city is covered in red suggesting there are many recorded sightings of the invasive species. When hovering over the city centre itself, the map says that there are "130 occurrences within 4 kilometres."
Other areas outside of the city centre also in red include Hamilton, East Kilbride Milngavie and Clydebank.
Eradicating the invasive species can be a tricky task and can take as long as three years to treat it chemically. Other options include burying or burning the plant after removing it, however there are strict requirements if you wish to do so, with the Environment Agency required to be notified.
It is not illegal to have Japanese knotweed in your garden unless it is causing a nuisance, but you must keep it under control and can be prosecuted for allowing it to spread into the wild.
What does Japanese knotweed look like?
According to EnvironetUK, the knotweed is visible above ground between March and November and can grow as much as 10cm in one day during spring. The plant, which dies back in winter, can however be hard to spot.
The most distinctive part of Japanese knotweed is the shield shape leaves however it can vary depending on the type growing. One can have Asparagus-like spears whilst others can show a cluster of white flowers or Bright green shield or shovel shaped leaves that form a zig-zag shape on the stem.
You can read all about how to identify them - and see photos - on the EnvironetUK website.
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