New data has revealed the Cumbria hot spots where the infamous Japanese knotweed is overrun.
The plant is well-known for being Britain's most invasive plant and there are many infestations across the county.
Japanese knotweed has a bad name amongst horticulturists and homeowners alike as the incredibly invasive plant can damage property and land beyond recognition.
The zombie-like plant can grow up to 10cm a day between May and July, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Japanese knotweed heat map of hot spots in Cumbria
As the UK’s most invasive plant enters its spring growth phase, Japanese knotweed expert Environet reveals the latest hotspots using data from its interactive online tracker, Exposed: the Japanese Knotweed Heatmap.
Users can enter a postcode to discover the number of reported knotweed sightings nearby, with hotspots highlighted in yellow or red.
The Cumbria Japanese knotweed hotspots for 2022 are: Carlisle with 33 infestations in a 4km radius, Maryport with 20, Workington with 22, Whitehaven with 17, Ambleside with 53, Windermere with 24, Kendal with 18, Milnthorpe with 22 and Barrow with 16.
The village of Cleator has 39 occurrences alone within a 4km radius.
How to spot a Japanese knotweed infestation
Following its winter hibernation, knotweed begins to grow in March or April, depending on the local ground temperature, reaching up to 3 metres in height by mid-summer.
Homeowners spending more time in their gardens this spring may notice purple or red asparagus-like shoots now emerging from the ground and quickly growing into lush green shrubs with heart or shovel-shaped leaves and pink-flecked stems.
What effect does knotweed have on your property?
Pushing up through cracks in concrete, driveways, patios, paths, drains and even the cavity walls of our homes, Japanese knotweed can reduce a property’s value by 10 per cent and make it difficult to sell, unless a professional treatment plan is in place with an insurance-backed guarantee to satisfy mortgage lenders.
According to Environet’s research, approximately 5 per cent of homes are currently affected, either directly or indirectly (neighbouring an affected property), knocking around £20 billion off UK house prices.
To view Japanese knotweed infestations in your area or to report a sighting, visit the website here.
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