Gardeners urged to AVOID plant that's the UK's next Japanese knotweed – it's expensive & can cause legal neighbour rows

The Sun

22-05-2025

WE all know about Japanese knotweed, but there's now another plant that gardeners are being urged to avoid at all costs.
It's been dubbed the 'new Japanese knotweed ' after owners have been left paying thousands in removal costs.
3
3
3
Not only is it 'stressful' and 'expensive' for those who find it in their gardens, but it is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world that has become a very popular choice for those looking to create privacy screens.
But certain varieties can become highly invasive if not properly contained, as they embed their root systems far and wide underneath the garden.
Some many have unknowingly planted the unruly species in their gardens, or even inherited the problem after purchasing a property, which has then wreaked havoc on their own and neighbouring properties.
As well as this, it can also cause legal issues with neighbours too.
So what is the plant in question you ask? Running bamboo.
Gardening experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have urged Brits to research the type of species they plant to avoid potentially costly repairs.
And according to gardening pro Chris Bonnett, running bamboo varieties can travel up to 10 metres from the parent plant.
Running bamboo is a type of bamboo that spreads aggressively through underground rhizomes, sending out new shoots and canes away from the parent plant.
These rhizomes can travel long distances underground, making it difficult to contain their spread.
As a result, Chris warned: '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."
Map reveals worst areas for Japanese knotweed with fears plant will wipe thousands off house prices
Such running varieties have proved a nightmare for many homeowners, with some having to pay thousands of pounds after buying a property that unknowingly had the problem.
As reported by The Express, Leah Jones found bamboo growing in her Mediterranean-style garden at her new terraced home in Devon.
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.
Following this, a bamboo survey of her outside space revealed that the plant's rhizomes had spread across her entire garden.
Subsequently, Emily Grant, director at Environet, an invasive plant specialist, shared all on the dangerous of running bamboo.
Buyers need to consider the risk of a legal case from a neighbour if the bamboo encroaches into their property
Emily Grant
She warned: 'Nobody wants to inherit a stressful and expensive issue when they buy a property, but this is frequently happening with bamboo.
"There is no legal framework to protect buyers, as there is for Japanese knotweed.'
She also explained: 'In addition to potential damage to their own property and garden, buyers need to consider the risk of a legal case from a neighbour if the bamboo encroaches into their property.'
The Most Invasive Plants in the UK
Several non-native species have been introduced to the UK over the years. These are the most problematic plants to look out for in your garden.
Japanese Knotweed
It is an offence against the 1981 Wildlife & Countryside Act to grow Japanese Knotweed.
It might not be poisonous, it is extremely fast-growing and can seriously damage buildings, paving and structures.
Giant Hogweed
It might look rather attractive, but Giant Hogweed can be pretty dangerous.
The plant's sap is toxic and can cause burns or blisters if it comes into contact with the skin.
Himalayan Balsam
Himalayan Balsam is another plant you need to keep your eyes on.
It produces an array of pretty pink flowers, but one plant is said to be able to spread 2,500 seeds, that are "launched" over a distance of seven metres.
And like other invasive plants, Himalayan Balsam wipes out other plants, growing up to three metres high, drawing out sunlight for smaller plants.
New Zealand Pigmyweed
New Zealand Pigmyweed is an aquatic plant that can cause havoc in still water, such as lakes and ponds or even slow moving water, such as canals.
It also impacts animals, such as frogs, fish and newts, as it can form a dense mat on the water's surface, therefore starving the water of oxygen.
Rhododendron
An incredibly beautiful plant, loved my many gardeners, but the Rhododendron is technically classed as an invasive specie due to its rapid growth in woodlands.
Unlike other invasive species mentioned on this list, it's not recommended to completely remove or kill Rhododendrons but instead take extra care to manage their growth, trimming and pruning them regularly.