I'm a garden expert – five popular plants that could cause damage to your home including a Bridgerton favourite

The Sun

08-05-2025

WITH sunny weather encouraging us outside, many homeowners are turning their attention to their gardens.
But while a vibrant outdoor space can be a source of pride, some of the most common garden plants could be quietly putting your home at risk from damage.
5
In fact, there are a number of seemingly innocent garden favourites that are responsible for far more property damage, insurance claim rejections and legal disputes than most homeowners realise.
Left unchecked, these popular plants could lead to costly repairs, rising premiums, and even civil action.
Here, home insurance experts at Norton Insurance Brokers have identified the top five plants which could be putting you at risk…
1. Wisteria
Known for its elegant, cascading blooms, wisteria can be surprisingly aggressive behind the scenes.
It grows quickly and develops thick, woody stems that twist around anything in their path.
Possible damage
As these stems mature, they exert pressure on walls, gutters, and rooflines, gradually widening gaps and creating potential entry points for water and frost damage.
When allowed to spread unchecked, wisteria can even dislodge roof tiles or gutters.
And if planted too close to a property, its root system may also begin to interfere with underground drainage or shallow foundations.
Financial implications
Although wisteria isn't restricted by law, any damage it causes is typically considered a preventable maintenance issue.
As such, most standard insurance policies will not cover claims related to overgrown climbing plants.
The four easy steps to get your tired lawn lush for summer & you don't need to worry about pigeons ruining it either
If you're letting it roam freely without regular pruning, and it leads to structural or moisture issues, insurers may reject the claim on grounds of negligence.
2. Bamboo
There was a bamboo crisis invading people's homes last year, with numerous reports of the plant overtaking gardens, and in some cases, breaking into properties.
The problem appears to be getting worse, with a 69 per cent increase in UK searches for 'how to get rid of bamboo' suggesting that more homeowners are now struggling to contain it.
5
Possible damage
Once established, its underground roots spread aggressively, sometimes metres beyond the original planting area.
They're capable of lifting patio slabs, breaking through driveways, and, in more extreme cases, even surfacing through floorboards inside homes.
Bamboo roots won't typically crack a solid foundation on their own, but they will exploit cracks and gaps, similar to Japanese Knotweed.
They can also block drains and pipework and destabilise garden walls or fences by growing underneath.
Financial implications
It's not specifically excluded from all insurance policies yet.
However, insurers usually class damage from plants as gradual and preventable.
If it's determined that the bamboo was planted deliberately or allowed to spread unchecked, any resulting damage may not be covered, with claims potentially rejected due to poor maintenance.
Currently, there are no laws banning the planting of bamboo in the UK, but legal responsibilities still apply.
If your bamboo encroaches on a neighbour's property and causes damage or nuisance, you could be liable for a civil nuisance claim.
3. English Ivy
5
English ivy is a classic sight on British homes and garden walls, loved for its evergreen charm and cottage core appeal.
But don't let appearances fool you, ivy is notorious for causing damage to the very structures it clings to.
Possible damage
Its small aerial roots are deceptively powerful, capable of digging into cracks and mortar joints.
As the plant grows, it thickens and pulls at these weak spots, widening gaps and potentially dislodging roof tiles, pulling gutters away from walls, and leading to water ingress or structural strain.
Financial implications
Insurers typically see damage caused by ivy and other creeping plants as a maintenance issue rather than a sudden, insurable event.
If ivy contributes to structural damage, a claim may be refused on the grounds of neglect. Regular trimming and keeping ivy away from the main structure is strongly advised.
There's also a potential legal complication to consider.
Ivy provides shelter for nesting birds, and under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it's illegal to damage or destroy any active wild bird's nest.
If you're thinking of removing ivy, always check for nesting activity, especially during spring and summer.
4. Tall trees
5
Trees can add beauty, shade, and value to a property, but if they're too close to your home, they could be doing more harm than good.
Many insurers are wary of trees over five metres tall growing within seven metres of a property, and with good reason.
Possible damage
Large trees draw considerable amounts of moisture from the ground, which can cause soil to shrink and shift, especially on clay-rich soils, leading to subsidence.
Their roots can also infiltrate drains, crack pipes, or disturb the soil beneath foundations. Even removing a large tree isn't without risk.
Sudden changes in soil moisture levels can lead to ground heave, landslip, or renewed structural instability.
Five popular plants which can damage your home
HOME insurance experts at Norton Insurance Brokers have identified five popular plants, including wisteria, bamboo, and ivy, that, while visually appealing, are increasingly linked to costly structural issues, rising premiums, and rejected insurance claims.
Wisteria - Hidden structural threats and denied claims for water damage
Bamboo - Spreading roots linked to floorboard damage and legal disputes
English Ivy - Aerial roots prying into mortar and impacting building integrity
Tall Trees - Subsidence risk and invalidated policies due to proximity
Jasmine - Damp and mould caused by overgrowth near vents and brickwork
Financial implications
If you have a tall tree near your property, make sure your insurer knows about it.
Not disclosing it could invalidate your policy if damage later occurs.
Even if a tree has been there for years, proactive maintenance and open communication with your insurer can help you avoid costly surprises.
While there's no law against planting large trees or hedges in your garden, legal responsibilities do come into play if they begin to impact others.
If a tree on your property causes damage to a neighbour's home, garden, or drains, you could face civil action to recover the cost of repairs.
In addition, under the High Hedges provisions of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, you could be legally compelled to cut back or reduce the height of trees or hedges if they are found to block light or significantly impact a neighbour's enjoyment of their property.
5. Jasmine
5
Another garden favourite, jasmine, is loved for its delicate white flowers and unmistakable fragrance.
However, while its scent may be unbeatable, jasmine can quietly cause damage if left unchecked, particularly when grown close to the home.
In summer, jasmine can form a thick green mat that masks underlying vulnerabilities.
Possible damage
If the brickwork is already weathered or cracked, this prolonged moisture exposure can lead to damp problems, especially in older buildings.
Jasmine can also obstruct gutters, downpipes, vents, or air bricks, reducing airflow and creating ideal conditions for water ingress and mould.
Possible implications
As with other climbing plants, insurers usually view damage caused by jasmine as avoidable through routine maintenance.
Claims involving damp, blocked drainage, or compromised rendering are likely to be declined if visible plant overgrowth is found to be a factor.
To enjoy jasmine without the drawbacks, it's best kept well-trimmed and away from key ventilation points or weather exposed areas.
Gardening mistakes that could get you fined
Gardening experts over at Toolstation have revealed the garden laws you need to be aware of not breaking.
While some of these laws could land you with a fine of up to £20,000 in extreme cases, a friendly chat with your neighbours can usually resolve any issues.
Tree removal and pruning: If you have a tree in your garden you want to get rid of you better think twice and do your research.
The gardening experts reveal: 'If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour values, disputes can arise over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy. "
While it might cause a row, if it is in your property boundary it is ultimately your choice, unless it has a Tree Protection Order on it.
'But, some trees may be protected by a Tree Protection Order which makes it an offence to uproot, top or destroy them, the experts warn.
The maximum fine for breaking this law is £20,000, so make sure you double check if it does have a TPO.
You can find out by contacting your local council for a map that shows this information. Alternatively, you can ask to speak with your local tree officer.
Property boundaries and fences: One of the main causes of neighbours falling out is through arguing over property boundaries and fencing.
To avoid this situation, the gardening pros recommend checking the deeds of your property to determine the correct boundaries
'Most of the time, it's easy to determine who owns the fence as the fence posts will usually be on the owners side," they add.
'Additionally, the height of fences or hedges can cause disputes between neighbours if one party feels the height has exceeded the two metre guidance.
"Hedges and fences should be no more than two metres high, and you could be asked by the council to take them down if a neighbour complains about the height.
"Luckily, standard fence sizes are less than two metres tall so you shouldn't have a problem.'
Garden structures and additions: A pergola is the perfect addition to a garden if you want somewhere to relax in the shade.
But if it obstructs your neighbour's view or violates local building regulations it could cause a dispute, as can sheds and other garden structures.
'If you're not sure, have a chat with your neighbours to let them know what you're planning and, if there's an issue, get in touch with your local council who can give you more guidance," advise the gardening experts.
Overhanging branches and plants: 'When branches, vines, or roots from one neighbour's tree or plant extend into the neighbouring property, it can lead to disagreements over potential damage to structures, blocked views, or the burden of maintenance," reveal the pros.
However, it's important to note you can only trim overhanging branches up to the boundary of your property otherwise, it could be seen as trespassing.
You can climb into the tree to carry out the work if needed, but only on your property and make sure to stay on your side of the fence if you don't have permission to enter your neighbours garden.