It might be the height of fashion in UK gardens, but homeowners are being warned planting bamboo could pose potential risks to their homes.
Buyers looking at properties with bamboo should be aware the plant can cause more damage than the notorious Japanese knotweed, which is highly invasive and can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage.
If plans are not in place to manage Japanese knotweed, mortgage lenders are unlikely to approve an application. There are similar concerns with bamboo which, because of the running roots, can impose on neighbouring properties and lead to disputes.
But, while experts think bamboo could cause even more harm than knotweed, there are concerns most people are blissfully unaware of the risks.
Research by YouGov found just one in ten people in the UK would avoid planting bamboo in the garden because of the damage it can cause to homes and buildings.
Nic Seal, founder and MD of Environet, said the research suggested there was very little knowledge amongst the general public about the true nature of this problem plant.
He added: “Bamboo may look beautiful but people should be very careful to avoid running types and take precautions when planting any bamboo, such as ensuring they’re using specialist root barriers.
“Awareness of the invasive nature of Japanese knotweed has grown significantly in recent years but the biggest worry is that people are still buying and planting bamboo in gardens across the UK, completely oblivious to the risks.”
In fact, the lateral roots of bamboo can spread over great distances, and are capable of pushing through asphalt, brickwork, drains and cracks in concrete. It is difficult to treat without professional help.
Bamboo jungle
It was something Elaine Hopkins experienced first hand just after she purchased a home in Tooting, South London. The previous owner had planted bamboo in the garden to hide an unsightly shed.
However, it spread out of its raised bed and sent new shoots across the garden in search of sunlight. Elaine only discovered how invasive it could be when she returned from walking holiday to find it had monopolised her garden.
She described the scene as a ‘bamboo jungle’. “It had pushed its way out of the wooden beds and sent lateral shoots out so far that they were about to encroach into my neighbour’s property,” she said.
“After researching it online I realised how invasive bamboo is and that I had a major problem on my hands.”
Advice to homeowners
Environet said bamboo is best avoided. However, if you are particularly keen to plant it you should choose a ‘clumping’ variety known as Bambusa or Chusquea and always put it in a strong container or pot, never directly in the ground.
You should use a strong vertical root barrier to line the container and prune the bamboo regularly, at least every spring, to keep it in check.
