Japanese knotweed hotspots in County Durham revealed

Invasive plant specialist Environet has released this year’s regional Japanese knotweed hotspots, based on analysis of the latest data from their live Japanese knotweed heat map.

The analysis is based on the latest data from its interactive online tracker, Exposed: The Japanese Knotweed Heatmap, which is updated with new verified sightings reported by Environet’s team and members of the public throughout the year.

Japanese Knotweed (Image: Property Care Association)

Now populated with almost 60,000 known infestations of Japanese knotweed, Exposed has monitored the spread of the invasive plant across the UK over the last six years, helping homeowners and homebuyers stay informed about the risk level near their property or one they wish to buy.

Users can enter their postcode to discover the number of knotweed sightings nearby, with hotspots highlighted in yellow, orange and, in the worst affected locations, red.

Tapping into the growing trend for citizen science, people can also add sightings to the heatmap if they suspect a plant may be knotweed, by uploading a photo to be verified by experts.

Japanese Knotweed hotspots:

1. Darlington (29 occurrences within 4km)
2. Durham City (16 occurrences within 4km)
3. Bishop Auckland (8 occurrences within 4km)
4. Crook (7 occurrences within 4km)
5. Peterlee (7 occurrences within 4km)

Over the next few weeks, knotweed will start to die back, as temperatures cool and light levels drop, sending the plant into its dormant winter phase.

Its green leaves will die and fall from the branches, the stems will turn brown and brittle, and after the first few frosts, the plant will have completely died back, leaving only the dead canes remaining.

However, the plant will re-emerge next spring, so autumn and winter is the ideal time to excavate it when the garden is not in use.

Environet estimates that approximately five per cent of homes are currently affected by Japanese knotweed, either directly or neighbouring an affected property, typically impacting property prices by around five per cent - or up to 10 per cent in severe cases.

Emily Grant, director of Environet, said: “With over 60,000 known infestations of Japanese knotweed on our heatmap, we have a clear picture of its prevalence across England and Wales. 

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"Knotweed is easily identifiable during summer, but it’s a perennial plant so as we head through the autumn and into winter, the above-ground growth dies back and it becomes much harder to spot.

“The best way to protect your property is to be aware of the risks and ensure you can identify knotweed at different times of the year. If you do have knotweed on your property, it’s wise to act immediately to treat or remove it before it has the chance to spread further. 

"With professional assistance, knotweed can be dealt with and the value of a property largely restored. If you’re buying or selling a property, consider instructing a Japanese knotweed survey to check for any sign of the plant on the property and its surroundings.”

A full view of the data can be found here.