More than the daily go to of pandas worldwide, bamboo can create a real legal headache when it comes to unrestricted growth and subsequent property damage. Whilst often aesthetically pleasing as part of the garden or rural landscape, it has the potential to cause long running issues and frightening remedial costs.

The risks of bamboo are becoming better known, but are still (even in the property world) not on the radar to the same extent as the better known and highly invasive Japanese knotweed.

Bamboo is not classified as an invasive species and there are no legal restrictions on its planting or maintenance. Generally, bamboo falls into one of two varieties – clumping or running. These refer to the growth of the plant’s rhizomes (stems). The rhizomes in clumping bamboo stay relatively local to the plant, whilst in the running variety they can travel long distances laterally.

It is this potential for long distance travel that causes the bamboo to spread. A nice compact plant in a sunny corner of the garden can very quickly (90-100cm per day even!) spread to neighbouring land where it can erupt through lawns, sheds, fences, patios and even concrete foundations and brick walls.

What issues can arise from the spread of bamboo?

The unrestrained spread of bamboo can cause vast damage, and can amount to a legal nuisance and/or trespass. You may ultimately find that you are paying a neighbouring landowner to not only rectify any damage caused but also incurring the cost of a multi-year removal and treatment plan to ensure permanent eradication.

When it comes to bamboo the best bet is container planting, where it can be monitored closely and removed easily if necessary.

We are currently working on a bamboo-related case, we will post updates as this progresses. If you are having any issues with bamboo or invasive plants then please get in touch with one of the specialists at Hägen Wolf on +44 (0)330 320 1440 or hello@hagenwolf.co.uk.