Certain climbing plants, while absolutely gorgeous to look at, if left to grow unchecked, they could lead to significant repair bills, and even legal troubles.
When it comes to selecting garden plants, it’s important to know which plants could be doing more harm than good. Many property owners remain unaware of the hidden dangers until it’s too late, and the resulting damage can be difficult – and costly – to undo. The first offender is the widely grown English ivy and the second is the fast-spreading Himalayan balsam.
English ivy is often chosen for its evergreen foliage and attractive appearance but it can wreak havoc on property over time.
Robert Quinton, property expert at Construction Megastore Building Materials, warns: “Although ivy can add a charming aesthetic to your property’s brickwork, it often does more harm than good.
“It tends to cling to walls and can creep into small cracks, eventually damaging mortar and creating routes for damp to set in – sometimes leading to serious leaks, and eventually mould.”
He adds that while removing ivy is possible without professional help, precautions are necessary: “It is important to wear gloves while doing so, as the sap may irritate the skin.”
To safely and effectively remove English ivy, gardeners should begin by cutting back stems with secateurs particularly around areas like gutters, vents, and chimneys.
Quinton advises applying copper or zinc-based barriers, which can deter regrowth by preventing the ivy from reattaching to walls.
Once the plant has been trimmed back, carefully peel away all vines starting from the edges inward, using a blunt knife or scraper if necessary.
Only sever the main roots after the majority of the vine has been removed to prevent the plant from reestablishing itself. Finally, digging out the remaining root system and scrubbing any lingering root hairs from walls with a wire brush will help ensure the ivy doesn’t return unexpectedly.
Himalayan balsam, on the other hand, is best recognised by its delicate pink flowers and tall, leafy stems – but despite its pretty appearance, it’s classed as a highly invasive species in the UK.
“You can spot Himalayan balsam from its pink flowers, but it’s a highly invasive species that can damage any local biodiversity,” warns Quinton.
“Allowing it to encroach on your neighbour’s garden could even result in legal consequences and fines.”
Homeowners are urged to act quickly, especially before the plant begins to flower and release its seed pods. The best method of removal is hand-pulling or cutting stems low to the ground – just below the lowest node – and ensuring the entire plant, including roots, is removed.