Please note: this blog post is regularly update to reflect the most recent Japanese knotweed guidance
When Japanese knotweed was first introduced into the UK, it was used as an exciting and exotic ornamental plant. As knotweed spread and people began to realise the potential damage it could do, attitudes towards the plant began to change, with knotweed eventually finding itself criminalised in the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981.
Our understanding of Japanese knotweed as a plant is constantly changing and evolving, which is why the official guidance for dealing with knotweed is also regularly updated too. The most recent update from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) was published on Wednesday 23rd March 2022, regarding Japanese knotweed and residential properties.
The Property Care Association has also published updated guidance for professional valuers and surveyors in light of the new RICS Japanese knotweed guidance.
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If you've ever experienced any issues involving invasive weeds which have led you to do some research online, the chances of coming across the Property Care Association (PCA) are pretty high. Why? Well, the PCA is an independent trade association that represents professional property care specialists who need to meet stringent criteria before becoming members. Which includes the management of invasive weeds.
This may not make a whole bunch of sense and could still lead to some confusion, so in this blog, we take a closer look at the PCA, who they are, what they do and why it is important to use a PCA-accredited when it comes to anything related to your property!
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Is It Japanese Knotweed?