Is this Japanese Knotweed

markawitham

Hi all,

I'm buying a new build property and am aware that Japanese Knotweed was cleared from the site before the houses were built (excavation and burial)

I visited the property today and spotted these weeds growing in the area where the Japanese Knotweed was present and removed. 

I can't quite tell if this is indeed Knotweed or just a normal weed - can anyone advise before I make it a big issue with the developer?

I have looked at pictures of Knotweed online but as it's only March I'm not sure what it would usually look like at this time of year. 

nutcutlet

Anthriscus sylvestris and Arum maculatum

fidgetbones

I concur.
 JKW  leaves are not as shiny, and they have a thick mottled red stem.

markawitham

Thank you! How sure are you that there would be a red stem so early in the spring (after the snow etc). It looked to me like it was starting to go slightly red. 

Dave Humby

I'm assuming there is legal contingency in the event that the JKW re-occurs? I would think that the mortgage provider would insist on this? 

markawitham

There is an insurance backed guarantee, however the site is quite close to a river and also the knotweed was quite widespread on the land before building began. They have provided details of the excavation and burial but I'm still concerned as we are due to exchange next week. 

Helix

Young leaves have reddish veins and are usually rolled.  As they get older the base become flat and the tip more pointy.  These don't look like knotweed to me.  

Dave Humby

You, your solicitors and mortgage lender all have to be 100% happy with whatever arrangements are in place. Should you have the JKW return then there are the costs to remove it, the potential impact on the future resale value of your house and indeed whether a future mortgage on it would be possible. I'm no legal expert and I would not want to worry you unnecessarily but a house purchase is a lot of money and it needs to be watertight in protection. 

Silverlight

It's very probable that JKW will return to your property.

Personally I would ensure you have watertight insurance backed guaranter that fully covers you for ongoing costs of destroying and eradication of JKW

Paul B3

Arum maculatum (Lords & Ladies) ; Harmless !!

Dovefromabove

Absolutely agree that the plants in the grass in the photos above  are Anthriscus sylvestris and Arum maculatum.