If you grow bamboo in your garden, it may be time to reevaluate how well it’s being maintained, because, according to a property lawyer, you could be sued by your neighbors if it gets out of hand.
These fast-growing plants can damage structural property, block light, and are difficult to remove—things that won’t put you in your neighbor’s good books and could actually lead to legal action.
To find out why Invasive bamboo What can get you in trouble, and what this process will look like, keep reading.
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When can you be sued for having bamboo in your garden?
Although it is not illegal to grow bamboo in your garden, your neighbor may sue you if it causes damage or becomes a nuisance. According to qualified barrister Cynthia McFarlane, this is possible in the following circumstances:
- Bamboo has encroached on your neighbor’s land boundary
- Bamboo has caused physical damage to their property
- Bamboo has affected the quiet enjoyment of their land
Cynthia explains that, to improve the quality and likelihood of success of their claim, they will need to engage with:
- A chartered surveyor to assess the physical damage to the property
- An expert valuer to assess the possible reduction in value due to bamboo
- An invasive plant specialist
Some home insurance policies cover disputes or provide access to specialist expert services, he adds.
Cynthia McFarlane is a qualified barrister with over 20 years’ experience. Cynthia has a wide range of knowledge on various aspects of law including property law.
Can my neighbors legally demand that I cut down my bamboo plants?
“Bamboo is quickly seen as new Japanese knotweed“says Cynthia Macfarlane.” In theory, you could apply to the court for a mandatory injunction, requiring your neighbor to remove or trim bamboo growing on your property.”
When it’s possible, Cynthia says, it’s always best to try to settle the matter out of court first, to avoid legal costs, delays and uncertainty of outcome.
How do I remove bamboo from my garden?
When it comes Killing Bamboo In your garden, the biggest (and most important) challenge will be dealing with underground rhizomes (stems), according to Lucia Hackem. Plantin.
“For an established stand, the most effective approach is the ‘cut and paint’ method,” she explains. “Cut the bamboo (culms) at ground level and immediately apply a systemic herbicide – such as triclopyr (found in most home centers as ‘brush killers’) or glyphosate – Straight on fresh cut. You should do this within minutes before the plant seals the wound.”
As a natural alternative, you can remove the rhizomes manually, or use a mini excavator for larger patches.
Southern Ag Brush Killer
Containing 8.8% triclopyr, this solution will kill woody plants such as bamboo and stunt their growth.
Lucia Hackem is an agricultural engineer and plant specialist at Plantin – a plant care and identification app.
Even if your bamboo isn’t currently invading your neighbor’s garden, it’s definitely worth watching out for, as it can grow anywhere from one to five feet per year.
For more expert advice, you can read our guide Plants that can damage homes And Japanese knotweed law.
