Real estate professionals, planners and developers play an important role in preventing the spread of invasive species across the Columbia Shuswap region. Invasive plants and other species can negatively affect property values and lead to costly control and remediation efforts if not addressed early.
For Realtors
As a realtor it is important to recognize potentially damaging invasive species and understand the best practices to follow or where to find further information.
- Always inquire about invasive species during property condition reporting
- Disclose known infestations to buyers
- Provide clients with information on management obligations
- A common culprit is Knotweed
For Developers & Planners
- Include invasive species surveys in environmental assessments
- Incorporate invasive species mitigation measures into development plans
- Coordinate with local invasive species organizations for site-specific guidance
The following resources are designed to assist real-estate and land use professionals:
Knotweeds (Japanese, Bohemian, and Giant knotweeds) Impact on Property Values
Knotweeds have extremely powerful growth habits; their roots and shoots grow at a rate of around 4cm per day in the spring and are able penetrate concrete, brickwork, and asphalt. Their roots have been known to re-sprout under newly built buildings, working their way up through floor boards and emerging from electrical sockets. Because they are so damaging to structures, knotweeds have been cause for refusal of property insurance in the UK, and have been the cause of law suits between landowners.
It is strongly recommended that knotweeds are treated with systemic herbicides to ensure that the roots are killed. Treating a knotweed infestation can take several years, with treatments in spring and/or fall of each treatment year until the plant no longer sprouts from the roots. To learn more about knotweed treatment and local professional services, please contact us at info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org
Learn about how to identify knotweed, treatment options, and see more about it’s impacts here.
Giant hogweed Impacts to Human Health
Giant hogweed is an extremely toxic plant with photo-toxic sap that can cause severe burns and blindness. It spreads by prolific seeding and is on the watchlist for the Columbia Shuswap region (limited sites are being treated for eradication in the Shuswap). It is similar to the widespread native species Cow Parsnip, so ensure careful identification using this factsheet. See information about giant hogweed’s impacts, identification and safe removal practices here.
Agricultural Weeds
Invasive plants can cause serious reduction in the value achievable from agricultural land. Many invasive plants are toxic, unpalatable to livestock or can out compete crop plants.
In general, if land is crowded with a mono-culture of just one non-native species that seems to be taking over, the species may be invasive.
To identify invasive plants including agricultural weeds, head to our Identification Guides page.
To report invasives, see links in the reporting section below.
Legislation
The BC Weed Control Act designates a list of invasive plants as ‘noxious weeds’ at the regional and provincial level. In British Columbia, land occupiers are mandated by law to control noxious species that occur on their property. Visit this link for a list of proposed prohibited species. Learn more about the weed control act and CSISS’ role here.
Cosmetic Pesticide Bylaws vary between jurisdictions and are put in place to prevent the overuse of pesticides for purely cosmetic reasons. Noxious or invasive plants are generally exempt from these bylaws within the Columbia Shuswap region, but refer to your local municipal bylaws to ensure compliance before treatment.
Soil deposition bylaws vary between jurisdictions. Soil contaminated with invasive plant or animals (seeds, fire ants, or fragments of knotweed) can be considered as contaminated waste and may be subject to soil deposition bylaws which regulate the movement and safe disposal of contaminated waste. See here for more information bout invasive species in soils. (UBCM: Union of BC Municipalities).
Property disclosure statements – There is an ethical duty to be forthcoming about damaging invasive plants infesting property for sale. Be aware that many invasive plants can be invisible during the winter, existing only as roots or seeds in the soil.
Covenants – Many properties are covered by covenants that regulate various aspects of property management. Knotweeds and other invasive plants can cause damage that may lead to civil action.
Reporting Invasives
To report invasive species use our Online Reporting Form or download the Provincial Reporting smartphone/tablet application that allows you to identify and report with a GPS a location in the field.
If you suspect that invasives are present on a property that is for sale or development, and you want to know what invasives have been surveyed on that property, we recommend contacting CSISS directly for more information if you are unsure about invasives on a property.
Best Practices for Property Assessments
Include Invasive Species in Due Diligence
When conducting a property assessment:
- Check for visible invasive plants and note their extent
- Include invasive species information in Property Disclosure Statements
- Advise clients about potential invasive species risks and management obligations
- Consider how invasive species may affect future land use or development costs
Some professional organizations and councils provide course modules or checklists to support real estate professionals in identifying and disclosing invasive species issues.
Integrating Invasive Species into Planning & Design
Effective development planning can reduce future invasive species issues and long-term costs:
- Avoid unnecessary soil movement: Soil or fill with seeds or plant fragments can introduce invasives — follow best management practices for soil tracking and disposal.
- Include early invasive species surveys in environmental site assessments
- Plan for invasive plant management in landscape designs and restoration plans
- Use native plants or species known to be non-invasive in landscaping, revegetation, and erosion control
The Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) has a helpful Local Government & Real Estate Toolkit with guidance on invasive species management, soil best practices, regulatory considerations, and planning approaches.
Online Courses
Several free or low-cost courses exist for professionals:
- “Invasive Species for Realtors & Land Developers” — a short (~15-20 minute) online course designed for British Columbia real estate professionals and land developers to learn key invasive species concepts relevant to property assessments, inspections, and management.
- Additional training from provincial and regional partners (e.g., ISCBC, local invasive species councils) on best management practices and early detection.
Tools & Training for Professionals
Invasive Species Toolkit for Local Government & Real Estate
The Invasive Species Toolkit for Local Government, Real Estate & Land Managers (by ISCBC) offers a practical set of resources, including:
- Guidance on regulatory frameworks
- Best management practices for soil and fill movement
- Checklists for property assessments
- Examples of local bylaws and planning tools
You can reference and download the toolkit to support internal policies and client recommendations.
For more information about managing or identifying invasive species, please email info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org or call 1-855-PUL-WEED (1-855-785-9333)
Become a member of CSISS to receive information on the latest invasive species and workshop training opportunities, as well to request presentations to your organization in the Columbia Shuswap region.