Four harmful plants you should remove from your garden now

Four ‘hazardous’ plants should be ripped out of your garden without delay, property specialists have warned. The deceptively harmless foliage can wreak havoc on homes, triggering cracked masonry and damaged drainage systems alongside expensive legal troubles, reports BirminghamLive.

Property owners have been cautioned that eliminating these troublesome plants early proves far more economical than tackling the pricey aftermath down the line. Kevin Barzegar, a property specialist at Kaybridge Residential, has witnessed first-hand how these specific varieties can affect house sales and upkeep expenses. “I’ve seen properties lose thousands in value because of problematic plants,” said Kevin.

“What starts as an innocent garden feature can turn into a nightmare that’s expensive to fix and puts off potential buyers.”

Below, Kevin unveils the four plants that should never establish themselves in your garden, detailing why they’re so destructive and what alternatives you can cultivate instead.

1. English ivy – the masonry wrecker

English ivy may appear delightful, but it’s devastating for your home. This climbing variety adheres to walls using microscopic roots that penetrate mortar and stonework, triggering fractures and deterioration.

“English ivy is one of the worst offenders I see,” Kevin explained. “Those roots get into the smallest cracks and expand as they grow, causing serious damage to brickwork.”

The thick foliage also traps moisture against walls, leading to damp issues, and provides hiding places for pests. It’s a significant task to remove it; you can’t simply yank it off without causing further damage to your walls.

A better alternative: Opt for flowering climbers like clematis or climbing roses trained on trellises away from walls.

2. Bamboo – the subterranean invader

Bamboo offers lovely privacy screens but possesses one of the most aggressive root systems around. These roots spread horizontally underground at alarming speeds.

“I’ve seen bamboo roots travel several metres from where they were planted,” Kevin revealed. “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 pop up all over your garden, and your neighbour’s too.

A better alternative: Try ornamental grasses like miscanthus or tall perennials for a similar height without the invasive roots.

3. Japanese knotweed – the property value destroyer

This invasive plant is every homeowner’s nightmare. Mortgage lenders often categorise properties with Japanese knotweed as high-risk, and many will only agree to lend if a professional treatment plan backed by an insurance guarantee is in place.

“Japanese knotweed can make your property virtually unsellable,” Kevin warned. “I’ve seen sales collapse and homes drop in value significantly because of it.”

The plant can sprout up to 10cm a day, with robust 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 cost anywhere from £900 up to £20,000 depending on severity. Better alternative: For fast-growing screening, opt for photinia or laurel hedging plants.

4. Willow trees – the drain destroyer

Willow trees are stunning, but plant one too close and you’re inviting trouble. Their roots actively seek out water, heading straight for drains and pipes.

“Willow roots can extend up to three times the height of the tree,” Kevin explained. “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 run into thousands. Better alternative: Plant willows at least 40 meters from buildings, or choose smaller trees like Japanese maples.

Kevin concluded: “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.

“I always advise homeowners to think long-term when choosing plants. 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.

“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.”