Q. We are preparing to list our property for sale but are facing challenges due to bamboo that has spread from our neighbor’s garden.

We reside in a semi-detached house with a fence separating our gardens. While I have always thought the bamboo along their side of the fence looked quite unappealing, I recognize it provides some privacy.

This bamboo is now pushing against the fence and invading our garden space. Although our neighbors have agreed to repair the damaged fence, they have declined our requests to remove the bamboo entirely. I’ve heard alarming accounts that bamboo is seen as the new Japanese knotweed, which raises our concerns about its impact on potential buyers and mortgage surveys.

Are we able to insist that our neighbors completely remove it? If they refuse, could this pose challenges when we attempt to sell our home? Stephen, Reading

Response from Martyn James

Bamboo is a favorite among gardeners, but it can also damage properties and relationships. Over time, I’ve received numerous inquiries regarding bamboo management.

There are many types of bamboo, but they generally fall into two categories. Clumping bamboo features a central root system and tends to remain close to its original planting area.

On the other hand, running bamboo is the more problematic variety found in many UK gardens. It produces rhizomes—horizontal stems that can develop roots and create new plants—that can extend more than 30 feet from the original plant.

These vigorous roots and stems can infiltrate small spaces in homes, and it’s common for individuals to discover their neighbors’ bamboo unexpectedly sprouting in inconvenient locations such as behind appliances or through plumbing.

Eliminating these invasive rhizomes can be challenging, depending on their extent of growth, and it often requires careful removal of both the rhizomes and any new root systems. If you attempt this independently, be aware that success is not guaranteed; consulting a professional might be a prudent choice.

Despite bamboo’s resilience against herbicides, it is indeed possible to eradicate it. The cost of removal can range significantly, from about £100 to £1,000, according to the comparison site Checkatrade. Keep in mind that most insurance policies might have restrictions regarding bamboo treatment, so it’s wise to review your policy for specific details.

Legally, bamboo is not recognized as an invasive species, meaning it is not illegal to cultivate it on your property, nor are you required to disclose its encroachment when selling your home. Nonetheless, potential legal challenges may arise. If a prospective buyer arranges for a comprehensive survey, the adjacent bamboo might be flagged. While this shouldn’t derail the sale, it could lead to negotiations regarding price adjustments to account for removal costs.

In any neighborly conflict, maintaining a calm and reasonable approach can lead to favorable outcomes. Should your neighbors decline to remove their bamboo, consider negotiating a compromise. If they do agree to cover the removal costs, ensure you obtain estimates and define the scope of the work, along with documentation confirming its completion prior to your property sale.

In extreme cases, legal action could be pursued, though it tends to be complex. If you can demonstrate that the issue was previously acknowledged and your neighbors neglected to address the bamboo encroachment or upkeep, you may have a basis for a legal claim. However, you will need to provide evidence of any expenses incurred due to their inaction, and legal disputes typically involve costs that could surpass the amount in question.

Martyn James is an expert in consumer rights, addressing issues ranging from utility bills to flight cancellations and claims for pothole damage.