A COUPLE were hit with a £60,000 repair bill after their neighbours’ weeds spread into their home – here are the warning signs to watch out for.
A husband and wife, who asked to remain anonymous, were shocked to find leaves sprouting through the floor of their conservatory in their home.
After digging up the path between the houses, the couple discovered the belonged to their neighbour.
Despite not being classed as an invasive species in the UK, the plant is renowned for spreading fast.
Bamboo is remarkably strong — its tensile strength can reach up to an astonishing 28,000 pounds per square inch, making it stronger than steel in some cases.
The couple now face demolishing their conservatory, with the cost set to be covered by their neighbour’s building insurer under a liability .
The husband said: “We hoped that if we dug up the underneath the path between our properties, that would solve the problem, but it quickly became apparent that it was much more serious.
“We’ve had to have the conservatory demolished, it will cost us around £60k to replace it.”;;
A survey of more than 2,000 people revealed that around 54 per cent of homeowners are unaware of the risks bamboo poses to properties.
Emily Grant, director of Environet, an invasive plant removal firm, stated that it is the responsibility of the plant owner to prevent it from spreading into neighbouring homes.
She also added that anyone considering buying a property with bamboo present should commission a bamboo survey to assess the potential risks and ensure they don’t face legal claims “as soon as you move in”;;.
As the sunny weather encouraged us to be outside, many homeowners have turned their attention to their .
But while a vibrant outdoor space can be a source ofpride, some of the most common gardenplantscould be quietly putting your home at risk from damage.
Left unchecked, these popular plants could lead to costly repairs, rising premiums, and even civil action.
Here,experts atNorton Insurance Brokershave identified the top five plants which could be putting you at risk...
1. Wisteria
Known for its elegant, cascading blooms,can be surprisingly aggressive behind the scenes.
It grows quickly and develops thick, woody stems that twist around anything in their path.
2. Bamboo
There was a bamboo crisis invading people’shomeslast year, with numerous reports of the, and in some cases, breaking into properties.
The problem appears to be getting worse, with a 69 per cent increase in UK searches for ‘how to get rid of bamboo’ suggesting that more homeowners are now struggling to contain it.
3. English Ivy
English ivy is a classic sight on British homes and garden walls, loved for itsevergreencharm and cottage core appeal.
But don’t let appearances fool you, ivy is notorious for causing damage to the very structures it clings to.
4. Tall trees
Trees can add beauty, shade, and value to a property, but if they’re too close to your home, they could be doing more harm than good.
Many insurers are wary of trees over five metres tall growing within seven metres of a property, and with good reason.
5. Jasmine
Another garden favourite, jasmine, is loved for its delicate white flowers and unmistakable fragrance.
However, while its scent may be unbeatable, jasmine can quietly cause damage if left unchecked, particularly when grown close to the home.
In summer, jasmine can form a thick green mat that masks underlying vulnerabilities.
