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.

Shanklin, Sandown and Bembridge are the worst affected locations on the Isle of Wight

Populated with over 54,000 known infestations of Japanese Knotweed, UK homeowners and potential homebuyers should be aware of the local presence of knotweed and the potential risk to their property.

Users can enter a postcode into the tracker to discover the number of reported knotweed sightings nearby, with hotspots highlighted in yellow or red.

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.

The most affected areas of the Island are as follows:

Isle of Wight County Press:

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.

Pushing up through cracks in concrete, driveways, patios, paths, drains and even cavity walls, Japanese knotweed can reduce a property’s value by 10%.

Luke Walton, Environet’s regional director for the Isle of Wight, said: “Knowledge is power when it comes to Japanese Knotweed and this heatmap is invaluable to homeowners and buyers who want to assess the risk in their local area.

"With the stamp duty holiday extended and lockdown restrictions beginning to ease, the property market is busier than ever – but failing to carry out the appropriate checks for Knotweed can turn out to be an expensive mistake.

“Despite its fearsome reputation, with professional help, the plant can be dealt with and the value of a property largely restored."