The alert is being issued after a retired couple from Reading in Berkshire were mis-sold an invasive type of bamboo which spread rapidly, destroying their patio and threatening their house.
These types of bamboo are being likened to the notorious Japanese knotweed, which is so destructive many mortgage lenders will not offer a mortgage on homes where the plant has been detected unless a plan is in place to eradicate it.
However, unlike Japanese knotweed, there are no controls on bamboo and it’s widely sold in garden centres across the country. This means there is more potential for neighbourly disputes and legal experts are warning it could impact mortgages on these properties.
Property damage
Angela Francis explained how she and her husband John used bamboo plants as part of a small Japanese ornamental garden in the outside space of their home in Reading.
Despite doing her research and being reassured the particular type of bamboo she was buying at her local nursery would not grow more than a metre high, or spread, the plant shot up and began encroaching on the garden towards the house, damaging the patio.
“I’m a keen gardener and was actually quite aware of the invasive nature of bamboo, which is why I did lots of research and asked the experts at the nursery which type to buy,” said Angela.
“However, I was unfortunately mis-sold and now have bamboo that has grown several feet higher than the fence with new shoots popping up nearby. The patio needs to be dug up and we’re worried that if we don’t treat it, it could reach the house.”
She added: “Bamboo can look lovely but I would urge people to be very careful as most types are invasive and it could turn out to be a costly mistake.”
Buyers and sellers: watch out
According to Environet, a firm which specialises in removing invasive plants, these aggressive types of bamboo were becoming a major problem for British homeowners.
It said many people may not realise that, if left unchecked, they can become very intrusive. In fact, some ‘running’ varieties can extend for up to 30 feet beneath the ground, cross boundaries and potentially cause disputes with neighbours.
This can also cause problems if you are trying to sell your property. And, if you are potential buyer, it’s also something to look out for.
Environet revealed a recent case where a homeowner in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire, discovered bamboo growing between the skirting board and the wall of the living room.
It emerged it had encroached from next door’s garden having exploited a weakness in the property’s foundations.
Mortgage lending restrictions
Currently, unlike Japanese knotweed, invasive bamboos are not classified as an invasive species therefore there are no restrictions on planting it, which means there has been an increase in disputes.
Mark Montaldo, solicitor and director at CEL Solicitors, which deals with legal claims relating to invasive plants, has acted for clients who took legal action against their neighbour for nuisance caused as a result of a bamboo infestation.
The offending party had to pay significant removal costs and legal bills.
He said: “Due to the increase in nuisance claims it is something that the mortgage companies are closely looking at and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them imposing lending restrictions on properties that suffer with bamboo infestations in the future.”
Avoiding the infestation
Environet warned bamboo was so vigorous and fast-growing plant it was difficult to contain and impossible to kill with herbicide.
What’s more, because it’s commonly sold at garden centres with little or no warnings about its invasive nature or sensible advice about how to contain it, the plant is having an increasing presence in gardens.
Nic Seal, MD of Environet offered advice to anyone considering using it in their garden. “If you do decide to plant bamboo, make sure you choose a clumping variety such as Bambusa or Chusquea and avoid the running types which send long roots out spreading many metres from the original plant.
“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.”
My neighbour has a bamboo growing along and on my fence line – pushing down my fence.
How should I tackle this with my neighbour? He is aware that is is there, and he surely can see the invasive and intrusive bamboo on my property.
my neighbour has bamboo which is growing in my garden and my fence is leaning .