Brits are being urged to avoid planting bamboo in their gardens as it can invade neighbouring land and threaten property foundations, experts have found.
According to Environet UK, the invasive plant could rival Japanese Knotweed, as many homeowners are unaware most species are intrusive if left alone.
Some specific types of bamboo have tough roots called rhizomes which grow horizontally underground, often causing mayhem to the foundations of buildings. Experts say that 'running bamboo' is considered to be the worst, as its roots grow uncontrollably.
While the green plant is loved in urban areas for its ability to create privacy in the garden, it can spread out of control if not tended to. Often associated with Asian culture, the plant can wriggle its way up houses, on roof shingles and, in some severe cases, grow in through windows.
One Reading-based homeowner had to excavate her garden after the perennial plant damaged her patio.
Nic Seal, managing director of Environet UK told the Daily Mail: "Bamboo is a vigorous and fast-growing plant that has been steadily growing in popularity in the UK over the last decade or so, but it's very difficult to contain and virtually impossible to kill with herbicide."
What to Read Next
Bamboo has not been banned completely and there are still some ways to grow the plant if you wish to. Nic advises: "If you do decide to plant bamboo, make sure you choose a clumping variety such as Bambusa or Chusquea and avoid the running types. It's also a good idea to place it in a pot or bed which is lined with a strong vertical root barrier designed to contain bamboo."
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
5 of the most destructive garden plants in the UK – and how to tackle them
Japanese knotweed
Status: Illegal to grow
Despite the fact this plant can only spread by its roots (as it doesn’t produce seeds), its root system is both extensive and strong.
Digging the weed out is the most environmentally-friendly method, but if even the smallest bit of root – or rhizome – is left, it can produce an entirely new plant. Chemical sprays can be applied to the leaves to be absorbed by the entire plant, but it will still take a few years to kill this troublesome weed.
This plant can grow up to 10cm a day, and there have even been cases of buyers pulling out of house sales after discovering knotweed on their prospective property, as well as sellers struggling to secure mortgages on properties affected. As such, it is an offence under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act to grow it, and if it isn't controlled by those who have it in their garden, a community protection notice can be given.
Giant hogweed
Originally from Southern Russia and Georgia, giant hogweed can reach over three metres in height and, most alarmingly, its sap can cause quite nasty skin burns.
Although there is no statutory obligation for landowners to eliminate this plant, it's still an offence to actively cause giant hogweed to grow and local authorities will often take action to remove infestations in public areas.
When tackling giant hogweed you should always wear gloves and a face mask and cover your arms and legs.
Himalayan balsam
Despite boasting a pretty display of pink flowers, Himalayan balsam can be very difficult to control once it takes hold in your garden, growing well over head height.
This is partly due to it producing a whopping 800 seeds every year – which can each survive for up to two years – and also the fact it can survive in shady positions without much sun.
Introduced to the UK in 1839, it also shades out other vegetation, gradually impoverishing habitats by killing off other plants.
New Zealand Pygmyweed
This invasive species grows primarily in water, or soil with a heavy water content next to lakes and streams.
Due to the dense matting it creates on the surface of ponds, it can reduce the oxygen available to fish and frogs, making garden ponds virtually uninhabitable.
Rhododendron ponticum
This shrub, which produces big, purple flowers, may look nice but it can spread like wildfire causing huge damage to many native woodlands, heaths and meadows.
It grows into huge bushes that block out sunlight and smother most other wild plants and trees, stopping them from growing or regenerating. Not only that but its leaves are toxic to animals and repel wildlife like earthworms and native birds.
Each plant can produce one million or more tiny seeds each year that spread in the wind, and it’s incredibly difficult to get rid of by simply digging it up or using herbicides.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
