'Aggressive' plant could cause '€80,000 of damage' to gardens

Dublin Live

21-05-2025

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Garden lovers are being warned about a common garden plant so aggressive and damaging that it's now being dubbed the new 'Japanese Knotweed'.
This comes after reports of bamboo causing chaos in homes and gardens, reports Galway Beo. Experts are advising homeowners to be cautious when choosing which species to plant and to avoid planting it directly in the garden.
Bamboo has been a popular choice since the nineties and noughties due to its low maintenance and ability to add an exotic touch to gardens. It also serves as an ideal habitat for various wildlife species, with birds, insects, and small mammals using it for shelter and food.
It is also a favoured choice for providing privacy and windbreaks in the garden. However, if not properly contained, it can cause significant damage.
Experts from Gardening Express have urged people to choose the right bamboo species and grow it in pots and planters where possible to prevent it from taking over gardens and becoming a nuisance.
Parts of Britain are reportedly facing a 'Bamboo crisis' as uninformed gardeners have unknowingly planted unruly species in their gardens, allowing it to wreak havoc on their own and neighbouring properties.
A couple told The Telegraph that they noticed bamboo growing into their conservatory by the garden threshold. They said their neighbour's garden was 'full of it' and despite lifting the garden path and taking measures to kill the plant, they were forced to demolish their conservatory.
Rebuilding it would incur a staggering cost of €80,000, they revealed to the publication.
Recently, Environet, a UK-based expert in tackling invasive plants, included questions about bamboo in their annual survey. Emily Grant, the operations director, shared with the Guardian: "In our latest research, 71% of people weren't aware that bamboo could cause any damage and 84% were not aware that it could prompt legal claims between neighbours or hinder property sales."
However, Chris Bonnett from Gardening Express sang the plant's praises, saying: "Bamboo is ideal for garden designs that call for dramatic backdrops, privacy screens, or stand-alone features."
He continued, "You can get black and green varieties and they're very hardy and low maintenance, which is perfect for gardeners that aren't that green-fingered."
Offering prudent gardening advice, he noted: "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!".
Bonnett also cautioned against pests, saying: "You should also watch out for pests like aphids and spider mites, and use natural remedies or appropriate pesticides to manage infestations."
Gardening Express provided guidance on cultivating bamboo without trouble:.
Clumping bamboo thrives in dense clusters, sprouting new shoots near the base, making it a doddle to manage and a top choice for many gardens. On the other hand, running bamboo can be a bit of a nightmare neighbour, sending its underground rhizomes far and wide, potentially taking over spaces if not kept under control.
To better control the growth and spread of bamboo, it's recommended to plant it in pots and planters. Bamboo that is contained is generally easier to handle and trim, helping maintain the desired size and shape of the plant.
Bamboo in containers can also be conveniently moved to sheltered spots during severe weather conditions, protecting them from harsh winters or blistering summers.
For the best results, bamboo should be planted in the spring or early summer. The soil starts to warm up in the spring, providing a more favourable environment for root growth.
Proper care is crucial to ensure healthy and attractive bamboo growth. Newly planted bamboo needs frequent watering until it develops a strong root system, so make sure to water it thoroughly to keep the soil consistently damp but not waterlogged.
Over time, bamboo clumps can become thick with numerous canes, leading to overcrowding. Thinning helps reduce this density, ensuring that the remaining canes have enough space to grow properly.
It also permits more light and air to reach the interior of the clump, promoting healthier growth and reducing the risk of fungal infections and other issues.
Simply look for older, less productive canes that may be turning yellow or showing signs of age. These canes often have fewer leaves and are less vigorous.
Use sharp pruning tools to cut these canes at ground level. Avoid leaving stubs, as they can be entry points for diseases.
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