One plant has been dubbed the new Japanese knotweed after owners have been left paying thousands in removal costs. As one of the fastest-growing plants in the world, it became a popular choice for creating privacy screens or windbreaks. However, certain varieties can become invasive if not properly contained, as they embed their root systems far and wide underneath the garden.
Some gardeners have unknowingly planted the unruly species in their gardens, or even inherited the problem after purchasing a property, which has wreaked havoc on their own and neighbouring properties. Garden experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have now urged Brits to research the type of species they plant to avoid potentially costly repairs.
Running bamboo varieties can travel up to 10 metres from the parent plant, so if gardeners decide on this particular species, Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk recommended one planting method.
He said: “You can get black and green varieties and they’re very hardy and low maintenance, which is perfect for Brits that aren’t that green-fingered.
“However, if you’re growing running varieties, it’s a good idea to keep them in pots and planters in order to control the growth and spread. It’s as simple as that!”
The running varieties were a nightmare for homeowner, Leah Jones, who had to pay thousands after buying a property that unknowingly had the problem.
A bamboo survey of her garden revealed that the plant’s rhizomes – underground root systems – had spread across the entire garden.
Emily Grant, director at Environet, an invasive plant specialist, said: “Nobody wants to inherit a stressful and expensive issue when they buy a property, but this is frequently happening with bamboo as there is no legal framework to protect buyers, as there is for Japanese knotweed. In addition to potential damage to their own property and garden, buyers need to consider the risk of a legal case from a neighbour if the bamboo encroaches into their property.”