Japanese knotweed spreads rapidly during summer when its bamboo-like stems emerge from rhizomes concealed deep underground.
It can grow to over three metres in height and can be identified by its creamy white flowers, bamboo-like stems and shovel shaped green leaves.
This is Money spoke to Mark Montaldo, of CEL Solicitors, a firm specialising in Japanese knotweed encroachment and David Hollingworth, associate director of L&C mortgages, for their advice for someone in your situation.
What are we legally obliged to do?
Montaldo replies: If you suspect you have Japanese knotweed then you should look to instruct a knotweed treatment specialist to assess whether it is present.