This is not an exhaustive or a complete subject. It is likely to change over time, with edits, additions and deletions, and is simply a collection of my thoughts based on many years of experience. You should follow your instincts, and you must always seek your own professional advice.
While Japanese Knotweed is routinely discussed, less attention is given to what is possibly an even greater nuisance plant – Himalayan Balsam.
It reaches peak growth maturity in July and these photos show about 8 weeks growth. This site had been cleared in May and the Himalayan Balsam grew back vigorously in just 8 weeks. There is close to an acre of the plant shown in these images and in places it can reach almost 2 metres high.
It grew from 0 to about 800mm-900mm in four weeks and then to close to 2m in a further four weeks.
May to July is the time to be looking for it. It has very distinctive leaves and flowers. Although not as commonly discussed as Japanese Knotweed or Bamboo, Himalayan Balsam is an invasive species which will self-seed and spread easily.
Surveyors, and homeowners and buyers, should be looking out for it.
Disclaimer: Anything posted in this Blog is for general information only and it is not in any way intended to provide any advice, legal or otherwise, on any general or specific matter that you can rely on. You should always seek your own legal and surveying advice.