According to industry experts, invasive breeds of bamboo can be just as bad, if not worse than Japanese knotweed, in terms of its ability to spread underground.
In fact, invasive species of bamboo have rhizomes that can reach out up to 30 feet beneath the surface, crossing property boundaries and causing structural issues in the process.
Me Ol’ Bamboo
Bamboo has long been a well-liked plant in the UK, presenting an aesthetically pleasing option that doubles up as a barrier, with its privacy boosting properties commonly used for screening purposes.
However, new information about the plant’s intrusive qualities – particularly if left to its own devices and uncontrolled – highlights the negative impact this once beloved addition can have on your garden and your property as a whole.
Bamboo species typically fall under two different varieties, namely “clumping” and “running”. The latter in particular is the one to watch out for as this is the species that features long, lateral rhizomes that can stretch out afar underground.
Bamboozling Classification
While bamboo isn’t yet categorised under the “invasive species” category, the damage it can cause to a property can be costly. Worse still, it’s natural ability to spread can also cause lead it to encroach upon adjoining properties, leading to disputes between neighbours as well.
Sadly, due to bamboo’s current official status as a supposedly non-invasive plant, there are no existing restrictions relating to bamboo. As a result, sellers are under no obligation to tell potential buyers if the plant has posed a problem in the past or is likely to pose a problem in the future.
Love Thy Neighbour
Mark Montaldo, Director of UK civil litigation firm CEL Solicitors, had this to say:
“Bamboo is a growing problem as, unlike Japanese knotweed, it’s not officially classed as an invasive species and there are currently no restrictions on planting it. Consequently, there has been an increase in the number of neighbourly disputes following the encroachment of bamboo across garden borders.
“I have acted for a number of clients who have taken legal action against their neighbour for nuisance caused as a result of a bamboo infestation where the offending party has had to pay significant removal costs and legal bills.
“Due to the increase in nuisance claims it is something that the mortgage companies are closely looking at and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them imposing lending restrictions on properties that suffer with bamboo infestations in the future.”
Weed Removal Services
As you can see, bamboo is no run-of-the-mill garden plant and can pose serious issues if left to its own devices. As such, tackling this issue early doors can be the difference between a quiet life and going to war with your neighbours down the line.
If you suspect you may be running into issues with bamboo on your property, Taylor Weed Control can help. We have over 15 years’ experience within the weed control game and are more than capable of chopping your bamboo woes down to size in a jiffy.
Bottom line: don’t wait to get your bamboo issues under control. Don’t delay, call Taylor Weed today and save yourself a shed load of hassle along the way.
For more information on the variety of weed removal services available at Taylor Weed Control, why not drop us a line today? Call now on 029 2039 7554 or get in touch online by clicking the button below.
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