Every homeowner dreams of a lush, green garden that adds character to their property. However, some plants which look attractive to the eye can secretly be wreaking havoc beneath the ground. From cracked brickwork to damaged drains, certain plants can cause significant problems, affecting both your wallet and property value.
According to an expert, some may even land you in legal trouble. Kevin Barzegar, property expert at Kaybridge Residential, said: “I’ve seen properties lose thousands in value because of problematic plants. What starts as an innocent garden feature can turn into a nightmare that’s expensive to fix and puts off potential buyers.” In light of this, the expert has identified four plants that should never be introduced into your garden.
English ivy
While it may look charming and whimsical, English ivy is “terrible” for your property. The climbing plant clings to walls and fences with tiny roots that burrow into mortar and brickwork.
This can cause cracks as well as crumbling. The expert noted: “English ivy is one of the worst offenders I see. Those roots get into the smallest cracks and expand as they grow, causing serious damage to brickwork.” Instead, choose flowering climbers like clematis or climbing roses trained on trellises away from walls.
Bamboo
Bamboo creates great privacy screens but has one of the most “aggressive root systems” around. These can spread horizontally underground very fast.
Kevin explained: “I’ve seen bamboo roots travel several metres from where they were planted. They push through paving, damage structures and can crack foundations.” Try ornamental grasses instead.
Japanese knotweed
Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant that is every homeowner’s nightmare, with mortgage lenders often treating properties with this plant as high-risk.
The expert noted: “Japanese knotweed can make your property virtually unsellable. I’ve seen sales collapse and homes drop in value significantly because of it.” According to Kevin, this plant can grow up to 10cm a day with roots that exploit cracks in paving, brickwork, and foundations.
Under the UK’s Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it’s an offence to cause knotweed and spread it into the wild. Treatment typically takes years and can run from £900 up to £20,000.
Willow trees
Willow trees are beautiful, but having one too close is asking for trouble. Their roots actively seek out water, heading straight for drains and pipes.
The expert said: “Willow roots can extend up to three times the height of the tree. A 10-metre willow could have roots spreading 30 metres, easily reaching underground pipes.”
Make sure to plant them at least 40 metres from buildings, or choose smaller trees, such as Japanese maples.
