Mis-Identification of Japanese Knotweed in Selly Oak

Author: Elle Walton
Location: Selly Oak, Birmingham
Techniques: Mis-identification of Japanese Knotweed in Selly Oak

BACKGROUND

Knotweed Services (UK) Ltd were contacted by Dixons Estate Agents on behalf of their client (who was in the process of selling) to identity a ‘suspected’ patch of Japanese Knotweed located in the rear garden. A site survey, quotation, proposal for works and the associated costs was requested.

SITE SURVEYS

A non-invasive walk over field assessment was carried out within/across the property boundary.

The aim of the property survey was to determine the presence of Japanese Knotweed within the instructed site boundaries and a 7-10m buffer zone. The walk over land survey acted as the evidence used to assess the risk level of Japanese Knotweed on site in accordance to the RICS categorization criteria.

At time of survey, there showed no evidence or characteristics of Japanese Knotweed. The infestation was previously misidentified. I reassured our client that as a PCA Japanese Knotweed technician, I was absolutely certain (and able to confirm) that there was no Japanese Knotweed within/across their property boundary.

Whilst surveying the property, I also checked both neighbouring gardens which again had no traces of Japanese Knotweed on either gardens.