Copyright mirror
Every homeowner dreams of a verdant garden brimming with a variety of plants and trees. However, a property expert has warned that some plants could be "quietly wreaking havoc" on your home's structure. From cracked brickwork and fences to damaged drains, certain plants can cause serious problems when they are found in gardens. According to the expert, some could even land you in legal trouble. Kevin Barzegar, a 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," reports the Express . English ivy English Ivy might look charming, but according to Kevin, it is "one of the worst offenders". He explained: "Those roots get into the smallest cracks and expand as they grow, causing serious damage to brickwork. "Removing it is a major job, but it's better done sooner rather than later. Instead, choose flowering climbers like roses or clematis. Bamboo Bamboo is a popular choice for many as it creates privacy screens. However, it has one of the most "aggressive" root systems. These systems spread horizontally underground quickly. The property expert said: "I've seen bamboo roots travel several meters from where they were planted. They push through paving, damage structures, and can crack foundations. "Once they've taken hold, these plants are a nightmare to control, with the roots sprouting anew from minuscule fragments, so it's best to tackle this issue as soon as you can. Japanese knotweed This invasive plant is every homeowner's worst fear, with mortgage lenders often classifying properties infested with knotweed as high risk.Kevin warned:"Japanese knotweed can render your property practically unsellable. I've witnessed sales fall through and property values plummet due to its presence. "Under the UK's Wildlife and Countryside Act 1982, it's illegal to allow knotweed to spread into the wild, and if it invades a neighbour's property, you could be hit with civil claims and expensive removal costs. Treatment usually spans years and, depending on the severity, can cost anywhere between £900 to £20,000, according to the expert. Willow trees near houses While they're undoubtedly beautiful, planting one too close to your home could spell disaster. Their roots actively hunt for water, making a beeline for drains and pipes. Kevin elaborated: "Willow roots can stretch up to three times the height of the tree. A 10-metre willow could have roots spreading 30 metres, easily reaching underground pipes." Plant willows at least 40 metres away from buildings, or opt for smaller trees like Japanese maples instead.
