New app helps spot Japanese knotweed at your property

Launched by the national trade body, the Property Care Association (PCA), the PCA Plant Risk App helps with the identification of species and provides a hazard rating as well as advice.

The app can help householders understand what is growing on their property, whether it is a cause for concern and what action they should consider.

Invasive non-native plant species can cause a range of issues, from damage to property and impacts on native ecosystems to causing injury.

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The app helps spot and identify invasive plant species. (Image: The Property Care Association)

Japanese Knotweed and certain types of bamboo spread quickly and can cause hard landscape damage, while buddleia is known to colonise masonry, which can make walls and chimneys unstable.

Contact with giant hogweed may produce a skin reaction that is exacerbated by exposure to sunlight and can result in painful blisters.

Himalayan balsam tends to shade out native plants and creates problems around watercourses.

Daniel Docking is the technical manager at the PCA and played a key role in the development of the PCA Plant Risk App.

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Daniel Docking. (Image: The Property Care Association)

He said: “Invasive plants are not just about whether a species appears on a list. The risk often depends on the plant, the site and the context in which it is growing.

“While Japanese knotweed is often seen as the main concern, plants such as bamboo, buddleia, and other problematic vegetation such as bramble can also create nuisance, management issues or biosecurity concerns in certain environments.

“There are also species, such as Virginia creeper, that are listed in Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

“This means it is the property-owner’s responsibility to ensure they are not allowed to spread into the wild.”

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The app helps spot and identify invasive plant species. (Image: The Property Care Association)

Householders with concerns around unidentified vegetation on or near their property can upload a photograph, ideally including leaves, stems, flowers and overall growth habit.

Once on the PCA Plant Risk App, the picture will help confirm species using the Pl@ntNet database.

A short series of scenario-based questions will follow, which will produce a hazard-rating indication along with advice that sets out what action should be taken, what to avoid and whether specialist help is needed.

In instances where a survey or management plan is strongly recommended, householders can enter their postcode to search for PCA members who specialise in invasive weed control.

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The app helps spot and identify invasive plant species. (Image: The Property Care Association)

Daniel added: “The app is designed to be a useful tool for homeowners, particularly where early identification and practical biosecurity advice could help prevent problems from escalating.

“The earlier problematic plants are recognised, the easier it is to manage spread, reduce disruption and limit potential costs.

“Alongside the app’s learning hub, it also gives users more confidence in identifying issues and applying sensible biosecurity measures.”