HOMEOWNERS have been warned about the dangers of planting bamboo as the invasive plant can grow through cavity walls and even floors.
The dangers of Japanese Knotweed are well known but this plant can be just as problematic.
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Environet UK, who specialise in invasive plants, have warned people to “think twice” before they plant bamboo.
A property in Hampshire planted bamboo to form part of a border hedge, according to the Express, but was allowed to grow unmonitored.
The roots travelled across the boundary and under the property next door before breaking through the concrete ground floor.
It continued to grow through the cavity walls of the property and could have forced the walls apart if it had not been treated.
The ground floor of the property had to be dug up and hundreds of metres of bamboo rhizomes removed.
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The home insurance claim due to the damage was reportedly more than £100,000.
Experts say bamboo can potentially just as bad as Japanese Knotweed if it is left to grow.
Bamboo roots can travel more than 10 metres and can push through bricks, drains, cavity walls, patios and will target weaknesses or cracks in concrete, in a similar way to the dreaded Japanese Knotweed.
The “running varieties” of the plant are said to be particularly damaging as they send out lateral shoots beneath the ground which can emerge in neighbouring gardens and properties.
Nic Seal, founder and MD of Environet UK, said this particular example is the “worst case of bamboo encroachment and damage to property he had ever seen in this country”.
“Through no fault of their own, the homeowners have suffered significant financial cost, stress and inconvenience, being required to vacate their home for several months.
“The truth is, most bamboos are invasive if planted directly into the ground and left to their own devices.
‘LITTLE WARNING ABOUT THE RISKS’
“It’s unfortunate that bamboo is still sold at garden centres and plant nurseries around the country with little warning about the risks.”
He added: “I would urge anyone considering planting bamboo to think twice, and if you already have it growing in your garden, take action now to ensure it’s properly contained.”
Dr Peter Fitzsimons from the Property Care Association (PCA), a trade body representing invasive weed control contractors and consultants said: “We have been calling for some time for the many species of bamboo to be added to Schedule 9 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act to enable effective regulation.”
Last year, Environet conducted a survey of more than 2,000 people, in conjunction with YouGov, which showed only 11 per cent would refrain from planting bamboo because of the damage it can cause to buildings, patios and driveways, suggesting awareness of the risks is still relatively low in the UK.
In order to prevent bamboo from spreading it is best to select a clumping rather than a running variety and people are advised to plant it in a pot. rather than directly into the ground, and prune it regularly.
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