Warning over UK's 'most invasive' plant spotted in Greater Manchester town which could land you in trouble

A warning has been issued to homeowners after signs of the UK's 'most invasive' plant have been spotted in Greater Manchester. The first Japanese knotweed shoots to be seen this year by Environet, the national invasive plant specialist, have been spotted in Stockport.

According to the experts, Japanese knotweed has begun its 2024 growing season, with distinctive red, asparagus-like shoots having emerged on banks of the River Goyt. Stockport is reportedly home to 122 verified infestations of knotweed, according to Exposed, Environet’s live heatmap which is populated with over 50,000 known sightings across the UK.

Described as the UK’s 'most invasive plant', Japanese knotweed can damage properties, driveways, patios and drains, impacting around five percent of UK homes either directly or through adjoining an affected property. If knotweed is present, it must be declared when a property is sold.

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It can also be extremely difficult and costly to remove, and could devalue your home. In the worst cases, it can knock five to 10 percent off house prices and cause legal disputes between neighbours.

Japanese knotweed hibernates during the winter months, before emerging when the ground temperature reaches around 4°c, usually between late February and early April. Red or purple asparagus-like shoots sprout from the earth and quickly turn into green bamboo-like stems, growing at a rapid rate to reach approximately 3 metres in height by June.

Nic Seal, founder of Environet, said: “Knotweed has appeared quite early this year, due to recent mild temperatures. Fifteen years ago, we never spotted it until April, but possibly due to