The War on Japanese Knotweed
Japanese knotweed is a perennial plant, which has become an invasive species in many countries, including the United Kingdom. It can cause significant damage to a property and is difficult to eradicate. This article will discuss Japanese knotweed, its impact on Paul Ryb, as well as a way of protecting yourself against this invasive species.
Ryb, a former investment banker, had bought the flat for almost £1.3 million, but it was ruined by the next spring when his gardener found three clumps of Japanese Knotweed, refusing to touch them and left Paul with the bad news. Paul’s eyesight is severely impaired, therefore he had trusted his surveyor’s report more so than the the majority of homebuyers, which testified to the “excellent condition” and “very few defects” of the house.
Knotweed spreads slowly but relentlessly, so he had little choice but to hire workmen to start the work in his garden. They had to dig all the knotweed and the soil beneath, costing Paul more than £10,000, he then sued his surveyor where he was awarded £50,000 in damages.
This article, as well as our other recent Japanese Knotweed blogs, has revealed and provided evidence as to why it is so important to order indemnity insurance for Japanese Knotweed. You can find the other articles here: Protection against Japanese Knotweed and our general Japanese Knotweed Indemnity Policy.
If you would like more information on PALI’s wide range of services, including a bespoke Japanese Knotweed Pack, please contact a friendly member of the team on sales@paliltd.com or 0800 023 5030 today.
