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Knotweed - the new ambulance chasing?

Had a PM from a newbie telling me his company may be able to help
with a compensation claim for knotweed encroaching onto my land.

I presume he is referring to this judgement
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.telegraph.co.uk/money/consumer-affairs/japanese-knotweed-ruling-landowners-can-claim-damages-plant/amp/

which on closer reading isn't quite as clear cut.


Not a route I'm planning to go down but I'm just curious as to whether anyone else has come across these companies and how prevalent they are?
All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

Pedant alert - it's could have, not could of.

Comments

  • Well it certainly looks like the government are desperately trying to playdown the effects of Japanese knotweed as they are, I assume, anticipating an avalanche of claims of Japanese knotweed spreading from public land...

    https://parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/6362def1-dbe5-44ba-b967-42b57e23f44e

    In the video some of the committee seem to be suggesting that Jk is not as damaging as for instance Buddleia or Bamboo but this is completely missing the point. Present research shows that Jk CANNOT be eradicated only controlled (using glyphosate - god help us if this is banned). Yes there may not have been many claims for damage to buildings but if you have Jk on your land then this renders your garden unusable thus denying you enjoyment of your outdoor space. I have witnessed Jk exploiting structural weaknesses in a wall and bringing the whole thing down overtime. Would I buy a house if it had Jk within the land ownership boundary or nearby - absolutely no way.

    Interesting recent case in Bristol - Local Authority sue landlord
    https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/landlord-fined-japanese-knotweed-jungle-2303335
    "Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits" Thomas Edison
    Following the Martin mantra "Earn more, have less debt, improve credit worthiness" :money:
  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Unless his company has permission from the website to sell their services, he is in breach of forum rules.



    Report him.
  • DaftyDuck
    DaftyDuck Posts: 4,609 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Present research shows that Jk CANNOT be eradicated only controlled (using glyphosate - god help us if this is banned).

    The research that suggested knotweed couldn't be eradicated was p1ss-poor research (speaking as a scientist who works in allied fields (hah!)), and it was even more-appallingly reported in the press... worse still in the Express and Mail, but they can't really be classed as newspapers.

    Glyphosate can and does kill knotweed. Completely. Really, dead, not just dormant. So it doesn't come back dead... ever!

    It wouldn't be my weedkiller of choice for the task, there are many, many better at the job, but it does do the job. Given clear access (and that's the real problem), it will wipe out a stand in two years. Lacking clear access it may take longer. But, it can be done, and done cheaply, so long as you use the right contractor for the job.

    Oh, I also have practical experience on my own hobby farm of getting rid of it. It was pretty easy, took three years, but it was in established woodland, and I farm for nature, so have to take care.

    As to are these firms prevalent? I've seen a few advertise in local newspapers around areas where there's heavy infestation. I know they are growing. Like the snake-oil salesmen of damp-proofing, and wall-kote type nonsense (and, to a lesser extent, cavity wall insulation... then removal...), they are bound to get some hold as folk (and mortgage lenders) become more obsessed by it.

    But, yes, if a newbie is abusing the system to promote his business, report him! Particularly since it's snake-oil sales!
  • In my experience of treating Jk across diverse landholdings I have not seen Jk even close to being brought under control and that is years after treatment. I have worked on several housing developments where apparently Jk has been "eradicated" by various methods and it has always come back. Some of this will of course be down to unscrupulous developers and/or their contractors but on the jobs where I have overseen treatment the Jk returned year after year.

    DaftyDuck - you say the research into eradication was poor do you have any link to this research being discredited as I would interested to hear what they have to say.
    "Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits" Thomas Edison
    Following the Martin mantra "Earn more, have less debt, improve credit worthiness" :money:
  • stator
    stator Posts: 7,441 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    In the national rail case the landowner knew about the knotweed, was asked to bring it under control many times and only then was it taken to court. So you can see why they are liable for the damage it caused.


    I see no reason why lawyers shouldn't pick up cases like this where one neighbour is refusing to deal with the knotweed on their land and it causes damage to a long suffering neighbour.
    Changing the world, one sarcastic comment at a time.
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