Latest news with #invasivePlants
The Sun
02-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Major warning over ‘beast' invasive plant as gardens across the UK set to see ‘super growth' this month
HOMEOWNERS across the UK are warned to be on the lookout for an invasive plant in their gardens. Recent weather has created ideal conditions for "super growth" this month and gardeners are urged to be vigilant. 2 2 Japanese Knotweed grows quickly and can cause damage to buildings, plus it's extremely difficult to eradicate. Finding it on your property can quickly turn into a costly nightmare that can stop you being able to sell your home or get a mortgage. Rain has returned to the UK recently after a prolonged dry spell, resulting in a combination of warm soil and wet weather. Sold property expert Terry Fisher warned: "These conditions can result in "growth spurts" for the invasive plant which can cause a plethora of problems for homeowners. Mr Fisher continued: 'We've been basking in the glorious sunshine, but now the rain has made an epic return. 'This combination of wet and warm creates the ideal conditions for Japanese knotweed to thrive and even go into a super growth. "Meaning homeowners might unearth a beast in their gardens this spring," reported The Argus. What does Japanese Knotweed look like? Japanese Knotweed can grow at up to 10cm a day in the summer and reach up to 7ft high. Gardening expert, Kendal Platt, who runs Adventures with Flowers, said: "The shoots look similar to bamboo shoots growing 2- 3metres tall. 'It causes severe damage and can be as bad a Japanese knotweed,' gardeners warned over plant that can devalue your home "They are hollow and coloured red in the Spring and turn green in the summer. "Their leaves which appear in Spring are shield or heart-shaped with a pointed tip and grow at staggered intervals along the length of the shoots. "They can grow up to 20cm long and die back in winter leaving just the brown dead looking canes above ground. They further explained that the flowers appear in late summer as bunches of creamy white flowers growing in amongst the leaves. HOW TO SPOT A JAPANESE KNOTWEED HOW to spot Japanese Knotweed and what to do if you find it. GARDENING expert, Kendal Platt, who runs Adventures with Flowers, said: "Japanese knotweed shoots look similar to bamboo shoots growing 2- 3metres tall". They are hollow and coloured red in the Spring and turn green in the summer. Their leaves which appear in Spring are shield or heart-shaped with a pointed tip and grow at staggered intervals along the length of the shoots. They can grow up to 20cm long and die back in winter leaving just the brown dead looking canes above ground. The flowers appear in late summer as bunches of creamy white flowers growing in amongst the leaves. It spreads through its rhizomes (underground root system) which are dark brown on the outside and orange on the inside. They can burrow up to 3 metres under ground causing damage to buildings and break easily, so can be hard to remove completely. If you find it in your garden it's important to call in a specialist Japanese Knotweed removal company. They use a glyphosate based herbicide which when injected into the plant at the right time of year can kill it. It may take a few years of repeated application to eradicate the plant completely from your property which is why many removal companies recommend a glyphosate treatment programme over a number of years. How to remove Japanese knotweed Japanese knotweed, which was introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant in the nineteenth century, can only be removed with costly specialist treatment. Mr Fisher said: 'Avoid attempting a DIY removal as you could accidentally spread it further. "It requires a multi-pronged approach, often involving herbicides and potentially excavation, depending on the extent of the infestation. "This is all best left to the professionals." Mr Fisher continued: "Your neighbours can seek compensation if it breaches onto their land, and you can be fined if it starts to grow in the wild. 'Whatever the case, homeowners need to act quickly if any signs of Japanese knotweed appear.' Legal Issues When selling a home, vendors are legally required to disclose if a property is, or ever has been, affected by Japanese knotweed. Surveyors also have a legal obligation to look for it as part of their report. Mr Fisher added: 'If you're buying a house and a survey flags that a property has Japanese knotweed, you could negotiate the price or ensure the seller treats the plant before the sale goes through. "But after that, it's your job to keep an eye on your garden for any signs of the plant returning. The warmer weather can also bring a feeling of mild panic to gardeners. Whether it is worry about having planted enough seeds or what do to with all the overgrown bits. But we have lots of June jobs to get you organised in the garden. This month is also the ideal time to plant certain plants, vegetables and fruits. That's why Sean Lade, a gardening expert has revealed some of the best things to plant right now. Also, The Range is selling a charming £2.99 buy to brighten up your garden that will add a touch of whimsy to your summer parties.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
As the Wabash Valley blooms, locals are urged to watch for invasive plants
VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – As people plant their gardens, they're reminded to keep an eye out for invasive plants. Plants become invasive due to not being native to the local environment and having no natural predators or pests. Tabby Flinn, a Natural Resources Educator with Purdue Extension in Vigo County, said invasive plants can take over an area, over-shade other plants to prevent sunlight, and even release chemicals to prevent other plants from growing around them. She shared a tip on how to spot invasive plants. 'Keep an eye on your plants. Ornamental plants are typically the ones we see that become invasive, so if you're noticing they're starting to spread really bad, you can mention that to your local invasives group and they can check it out,' said Flinn. People can reference Indiana's invasive species list to check if any are on their property. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
The nine ‘criminal' garden plants that could get you in trouble with the police and leave you with a £5,000 fine
THE sun is out and many of us are making the most of it in our gardens. But instead of sitting on your lounger, you may want to focus your attention on the plants growing in your garden to prevent a hefty fine. 9 While they may look innocent, there are several plants wreaking havoc in UK gardens, and if you're not careful, it could lead to structural damage, wildlife damage and paying out fines. Gardening experts at Fantastic Gardeners say these plants are more than just annoying weeds, they can takeover wildlife, cause burns and some are under strict regulation laws in the UK. 'These plants tend to spread vigorously, making their control costly and difficult,' they warned. Here, we take a look at the plants you need to check are in your garden to prevent penalties of up to £5,000 or two years in jail according to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Spear Thistle This purple plant may look lovely but is highly invasive and poses a huge threat to other UK native species. Spear thistle is a troublesome weed because, upon germination, it produces a tap root with lateral roots that spread horizontally. According to Fantastic Gardeners, it's incredibly adaptable and can compete with almost every plant it comes across so if you see it in the garden, it's time to get your gloves on. Broad-Leaved Dock Mirror. Broad-leaved dock thrives in all soil types, with 'no climatic limitation' stopping it from spreading throughout the UK. 9 Common Ragwort The pretty yellow flowers might deceive you, but this is one of the most commonly reported weeds across the country. This weed is toxic to mammals and its growth should be strictly controlled to protect livestock. 9 Map reveals worst areas for Japanese knotweed with fears plant will wipe thousands off house prices Curled Dock Similar to Broad-leaved dock, this is a resilient and persistent weed. Both curled dock and broad-leaved dock are regulated under the Weeds Act of 1959. 9 Japanese Knotweed This invasive plant is one of the most well-known in the UK. The Japanese Knotweed can grow almost anywhere and can cause serious issues for homeowners. Knotweed can take years to completely eradicate and often costs over £10,000 to remove professionally. 9 Rhododendron Ponticum While this plant has beautiful purple blooms making it an attractive addition to the garden, you need to be careful This plant towers over others and prevents sunlight from reaching them. In fact, the UK spends millions each year trying to eradicate it, and it's far from easy to control. 9 May gardening jobs The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you need to crack on with in May. GARDEN growth can go from nought to ninety in May, depending on the weather. The last UK frosts are generally seen at the beginning of the month, so all of a sudden there's so much more to do and grow. Plant out dahlia tubers It's a joy to finally plant out your dahlia tubers. Remember how big they can get - and space accordingly - anything up to half a metre apart. It's a good idea to put your support stakes in now instead of trying to work around them. And make sure you include lots of well rotted manure or decent compost to feed it and then mulch to keep it moist and suppress weeds. They generally start blooming in July. Final feed to Spring flowers You can give a cheeky feed to all your remaining tulips and daffodils. Although the majority of bulbs aren't guaranteed to come back year after year any more, as long as you've left them to die back naturally there's a good chance they'll have stored enough energy to come back again. Tomato feed is fine. Tie up climbers Your clematis, honeysuckle and rambling roses should be well on their way by now - try to use plastic free string to tie them back into their support, or tuck them round each other to make sure they don't sprout off in crazy directions. Feed the lawn It's not too late to give your lawn a good feed. Whether you use granular or liquid, it can give it a good boost to see it through the harsher summer months. While mowing, don't go too low with your cut length yet and never take more than a third off the grass height. Get creative It's also time to get creative with hanging baskets and pots. Trailing pelargoniums, which a lot of people call geraniums, and Begonias are a good, low cost way of getting lovely returning blooms throughout the summer in your baskets. And pots can be planted with spring bulbs. Don't forget the greenhouse! Give your greenhouse a good tidy and clean the glass inside and out. The improved light will help plants grow quicker inside and tidying is good for the soul. You can just use a household white wine vinegar and water solution - or even neat if you're feeling spendy - which gives a really good shine. Himalayan Balsam Another pretty plant that is a total menace to UK wildlife is the Himalayan Balsam. It spreads easily through animals, wind and rivers, and this fast-growing species is hard to contain once it takes off. Each plant can produce around 800 seeds, with pods that can launch them up to 22 feet away from the original site. 9 Giant Hogweed Another common plant seen by the coast and in forests is Giant Hogweed. It's one you want to steer clear of as it contains a potent chemical called furanocoumarins, which can cause serious injury if its sap touches human skin. The reaction can lead to burning, blistering, and even permanent scarring, making this plant one of the most dangerous in the UK. 9 New Zealand Pigmyweed Last but not least is the New Zealand Pigmyweed, which wipes out any native species that crosses its path. To prevent its spread, sales of this plant have been banned in the UK since 2014. 9
The Sun
22-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Gardeners urged to AVOID plant that's the UK's next Japanese knotweed – it's expensive & can cause legal neighbour rows
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 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.
Telegraph
16-05-2025
- General
- Telegraph
‘My neighbour's bamboo caused £60k worth of damage. I've had to demolish my conservatory'
Max* and his partner, both 37, had only been living in their brand new home for a matter of months when they noticed something growing between the conservatory and the garden threshold. 'We thought it was grass at first, but then we realised it was bamboo,' he says. 'We [thought] it was from next door, as their garden is absolutely full of it. 'At first they were in denial about it, but we didn't have any bamboo in our garden, so it was pretty obvious where it was coming from.' Max and his partner dug up and refilled the garden path in order to find the bamboo roots and cut them off, only to find them growing back weeks later. Seeing that the plant had extended to underneath their conservatory, the couple hired builders to take up the flooring. Underneath, it was clear a vast network had spread wildly, but unfortunately it only reared its head after they had already moved in. The damage it had wreaked was extensive. 'We've had to have the conservatory demolished,' sighs Max. 'It will cost us around £60k to replace it.' A fate worse than knotweed The couple are not alone. Approximately 8pc of homes in the UK have bamboo growing on their property, equivalent to around two million dwellings, according to data from invasive plant removal specialists Environet and the ONS. Bamboo has become something of a garden staple, chosen for its ability to create natural screens along garden fences, and its fast-growing nature. But this is a double edged sword, warns Emily Grant, the Environet director. 'People are only now waking up to the problem of invasive bamboo. It's been very popular in the last two decades or so, especially for providing privacy in overlooked gardens. But some varieties take years before they begin to spread and are now causing major headaches for homeowners. 'It's becoming more common to see bamboo growing inside homes. We've seen cases of it appearing between the skirting board and wall in a living room, behind washing machines, and even growing up inside cavity walls. 'It can mean entire ground floors being dug up, and conservatories being pulled down.' Indeed, Telegraph Money has heard from one reader who found the plant growing out of his kitchen oven. Bamboo can be even more invasive than its notorious counterpart Japanese knotweed, due to the distance and speed with which it can spread. Long lateral roots can extend up to 30ft from a parent plant. In a particularly damaging instance of bamboo encroachment in 2022, a homeowner in Hampshire was forced to fork out £100k to dig up their ground floor – after the plant emerged through the floors in the living room, study, hall and kitchen, having spread from the neighbouring garden. With homeowners waking up to the potential damage caused by the pest, mortgage lenders are starting to become aware of it too. Ms Grant adds: 'I wouldn't be surprised if mortgage lenders start to look more closely at the issue and impose lending restrictions, similar to those for Japanese knotweed. That would at least provide some protection to innocent home buyers who through no fault of their own, inherit an expensive bamboo problem that they then have to deal with.' Max and his partner have been unable to claim for the bamboo damage against their own insurance policy, as the plant was a pre-existing issue with the house. 'We currently have an open claim against the neighbours' indemnity insurance. They've been good at reimbursing us for small ticket items – £1k for tools we needed for the path, then a builder to come along and expose the slab.' But whether the couple will be able to claim against a new conservatory, and how much will be covered, is uncertain. 'We're debating the specification and energy rating of the original structure – it seems they're trying to minimise their liability.' Steps to bamboo-proof your home Ask current owners Prospective buyers of properties with bamboo should ask the current owners when it was planted – the critical spread time is between five and 10 years later – as well as whether they do any maintenance to stop it spreading. If bamboo is growing near the boundary of the property, warn Environet experts, ask whether the neighbours have approached them about the bamboo. Early action A few stray runners, or new shoots emerging in new locations away from the parent plant, are normally an indication of a much greater problem down the line. Early action can prevent escalation of costs. Homeowners with bamboo in their garden that has not yet spread can act early by installing a strong bamboo-proof root barrier, which needs to be inserted two feet into the ground to contain it – though there is still a risk it can break out and spread. Don't plant directly into the ground A safer way to plant bamboo is to do so in containers with thick bamboo-proof membranes, the experts add, rather than directly into the ground.
