Japanese knotweed has been identified as a significant concern for homeowners in the worst-affected postcode areas, with the invasive plant capable of damaging gardens and reducing property values. Its presence can also complicate property sales and mortgage applications, making early identification and treatment important.

The article reports that some owners may face removal and treatment costs of up to £15,000. Japanese knotweed is a fast-growing non-native plant whose extensive underground rhizomes can spread beyond a property boundary, so professional surveys and long-term treatment plans are often used to manage it.