Having the wrong plants in your garden can derail a house sale (Image: Getty)
An enticing garden can greatly enhance the value of your home as it can create an instant good impression while boosting house sale prices by as much as 15%.
Property expert Kevin Barzegar claims there are a handful of “problematic” plants that could cost you thousands in repairs and even lower your home’s value.
Kevin, from Surrey estate agents Kaybridge Residential, explains: “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.”
While some of the plants on Kevin’s hit-list may look attractive at first, they can cause damage to brickwork and drains that could cost thousands to fix. Some can even land you in legal trouble, he warns.
“I always advise homeowners to think long-term when choosing plants,” Kevin says. “What looks attractive now could become a serious liability in a few years. Check how plants grow, how their roots behave, and whether they could cause problems for your property or your neighbours.”
Ivy can look attractive but it’s causing untold harm to brickwork (Image: Getty)
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English Ivy – The Wall Destroyer
English Ivy might give a home a charming rustic look, but it can cause significant structural damage. This climbing plant clings to walls with tiny roots that burrow into mortar and brickwork.
“English Ivy is one of the worst offenders I see,” Kevin explains. “Those roots get into the smallest cracks and expand as they grow, causing serious damage to brickwork.”
The dense foliage also traps moisture against walls, leading to damp problems, and creates hiding spots for pests. Worst of all, removing ivy can turn into a major job; you can’t simply pull it off without damaging your walls further.
For a similar feel, with less risk of crumbling brickwork, choose flowering climbers like clematis or climbing roses trained on trellises away from walls.
Bamboo is a quick fix if you want extra privacy – but beware of the dangers (Image: Getty)
Bamboo – The Underground Invader
Bamboo can quickly create a sense of privacy – but it also has one of the most aggressive root systems around. These roots spread horizontally underground at alarming rates.
“I’ve seen bamboo roots travel several metres from where they were planted,” says Kevin. “They push through paving, damage structures, and can crack foundations.”
Once established, bamboo is incredibly difficult to control. The roots regenerate from tiny fragments, meaning shoots can appear all over your garden, and your neighbour’s too.
To create a lush screen against prying eyes, Kevin suggests you should instead try ornamental grasses such as miscanthus.
Japanese Knotweed was introduced to the UK as an ornamental garden plant (Image: Getty)
Japanese Knotweed – The Property Value Killer
This invasive plant is every homeowner’s nightmare. Mortgage lenders often treat properties with Japanese Knotweed as high-risk, and many will only agree to lend if there’s a professional treatment plan in place backed by an insurance guarantee.
“Japanese Knotweed can make your property virtually unsellable,” Kevin warns. “I’ve seen sales collapse and homes drop in value significantly because of it.”
The plant can grow up to 10cm a day, with tough 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 to spread into the wild, and if it encroaches onto a neighbour’s property, you could face civil claims and costly removal.
Treatment typically takes years and can run from £900 up to £20,000 depending on severity.
If you need a fast-growing screening plant, Kevin says, consider photinia or laurel hedging plants.
Willows love water – any water (Image: Getty)
Willow Trees – The Drain Destroyer
Willow trees are beautiful, but plant one too close to your home and you’re asking for trouble. Their roots will actively seek out water, making a bee-line for drains and pipes.
“Willow roots can extend up to three times the height of the tree,” Kevin explains. “A 10-meter willow could have roots spreading 30 meters, easily reaching underground pipes.”
The damage can be extensive, including cracked pipes, blocked drains, and ground movement affecting foundations. Repair costs can run into thousands.
If you are enchanted by the look of a willow tree, be sure to plant it at least 40 metres from any buildings or drains, or choose a smaller alternative such as Japanese maple.
Kevin advises: “Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to problem plants. If you’ve already got any of these in your garden, the sooner you act, the better. Removing them early is far cheaper and easier than dealing with structural damage down the line.
“If you’re buying a property, always look out for these plants during viewings. Japanese Knotweed in particular should be a major red flag. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or get a specialist survey if you’re concerned. It could save you thousands.”