New Tenant with a very unruly garden

tomterm8

The problem is, while the tenant is not responsible, I think Nicky would like to sunbathe in the garden occasionally.

Have a look at this thread http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=212975 .

tbs624

tomterm8 wrote: »

.....I think it's a little too soon to presume Japanese Knotweed, chinese weed is the common name for a number of weeds, everything from giant hogweed to chinese violet.

The OP does say that s/he has checked things out via t'internet too

tomterm8 wrote: »

N.b. the owner of a property has a does not have a legal duty to remove Japanese Knotweed.

I don't think anyone in the thread has suggested that he does have a legal duty to the T specific to the removal of Japanese Knotweed, but were simply responding to the OP who said:

"the landlord told us he had spent hundreds of pounds trying to get rid of them but they keep coming back, he said he will try to see what more he can do about it" and "He has hinted at us that maybe we should sprinkle some grass seeds over the weeds or we should go out and buy more weed killers"

The point is that it was pre-existing at the property when the T moved in, and it seems that the LL is fully aware of the difficulties with it : IMO ultimately it is the LL who has to take responsibility for dealing with the exceptional problems caused by its rampaging existence.

As others have suggested the T should write to the LL placing on record their concerns and enclosing signed photos . He should retain copies of both.

tomterm8

tbs624 wrote: »

The OP does say that s/he has checked things out via t'internet too

The OP said that s/he thought it might be japanese knotweed, not that s/he was sure

As others have suggested the T should write to the LL placing on record their concerns and enclosing signed photos . He should retain copies of both.

I didn't say that it was the OP's legal responsibility... I said, the OP wanted to use the garden. If the OP won't deal with it, there aren't many options except to notify the local council, and try to get them to force the matter. Or, alternatively, do something yourself.

cautious_bob

Alright-IF its Knotweed, its a tricky one to get rid of...
it's not toxic to humans - but it is highly invasive and hard to kill.
Type 'japanese knotweed eradication' into google- plenty of sites and infro and photos to help identify what it is.

If it is Knotweed-
Dont attack it with a strimmer-it regenerates from tiny chips.
Dont try to dig it up- that stimulates its growth/will spread it.
Glyphosphate (sp?) (as mentioned) is the way forward-
( but its at least a three year campaign)
-great time to spray now- plenty of leaf to absorb it - any competent person following the directions on the container can do this.
After a few weeks it will start to look a bit sick. Later in the year it will manage some stunted re-growth- spray it again.

Year 2- let it get up about a metre- spray it, spray re-growth late summer.
Year 3 - should be well reduced- rhizome can be dug up and spray any regrowth - but its a contolled weed- not allowed to take off site without permits etc-- best dried out and burnt if possible.
Year 4 onward- monitor and spray any regrowth.
Does the above work- yes- Ive done it.

Would a tennant want to do all that? Up to you- how long do you plan to stay?
Certainly the owner of a site with knotweed on it would be well advised to tackle it - can spread to other plots, can damage foundations. It s a nightmare on development sites, where time is money - but with patience can be controlled.
And theres a LOT of it about- once you get your eye in, you'l be amazed at how much of it is around us

Bob

nicky79_2

Thanks all for your replies - some have give me a few giggles - i wish i had time to sunbathe when not at work with 2 little uns

Ive just taken a couple of pics as its a lovely sunny day!! can anyone tell me how to get them on here? ive just saved them to my desktop

Cheers folks!!!

newbienewbison

Hmm I thought this was a personal higine issue...

lostinrates

tomterm8 wrote: »

N.b. the owner of a property has a does not have a legal duty to remove Japanese Knotweed. It is illegal to plant it. You must dispose of it properly. But in practice, as a house owner, you would be a fool not to remove it, because it could easily destroy your home.
.

But AIUI if you have allowed to spread from your property onto others you may well be responsible for covering the costs of tht disposal and the disposal of that infected soil. Personally, thats a risk I'd want to limit.