\n The heatmap of Japanese knotweed across Oxfordshire. (Image: Environet)\n<\/p>\n
\n The invasive plant specialist\u00a0reports 27 instances in Banbury, 26 in Henley, and 25 in Bicester.\n<\/p>\n
\n Chipping Norton had\u00a023 reports, while Wallingford and Kidlington had 17 and 16, respectively.\n<\/p>\n
\n There were 13 instances in Abingdon, while 11 were reported in both Witney and Woodstock.\n<\/p>\n
\n Knotweed begins to emerge in early spring, quickly growing into lush green shrubs with pink-flecked stems, heart-shaped leaves and bamboo-like canes.\n<\/p>\n
\n It can pose serious problems for homeowners, with underground rhizomes that can grow up to three\u00a0metres deep and spread up to seven\u00a0metres horizontally, emerging through cracks in concrete, tarmac driveways, pathways, drains and cavity walls.\n<\/p>\n
\n READ MORE:\u00a0Classic Bentleys among cars at Blenheim Palace’s Salon Priv\u00e9 this month<\/a>\n<\/p>\n \n \n While serious damage to property is rare, since mortgage lenders require knotweed to be dealt with when a property is sold, it can cause legal disputes between neighbours and reduce a property\u2019s value by approximately five\u00a0per cent.\n<\/p>\n \n A 2023 Department for Environment, Food and\u00a0Rural Affairs\u00a0report put the cost of tackling knotweed to the UK economy at nearly \u00a3250 million a year.\n<\/p>\n \n Environet director Emily Grant said:\u00a0\u201cBy mapping verified sightings, we\u2019re helping people understand the level of risk in their local area and encouraging early identification and treatment.\n<\/p>\n \n \u201cVigilance is the best way to protect your property from Japanese knotweed, making sure you tackle it as early as possible before it becomes well established.\n<\/p>\n \n READ MORE:\u00a0‘Mouldy freezers and contamination risk’ at takeaway<\/a>\n<\/p>\n \n Stay informed for less this summer. Save big on your subscription now for just \u00a36 for six months \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\uddde\ufe0fhttps:\/\/t.co\/GpS59lK1Ay<\/a>\n <\/p>\nJapanese knotweed is located across Oxfordshire. (Image: PA MEDIA)\n<\/p>\n