Bamboo and Conveyancing

Japanese knotweed receives a lot of press for being an invasive plant, causing countless issues to properties by rapidly spreading, damaging property and creeping into neighbouring land. The Law Society’s Property Information Form (TA6) has a small section dedicated to Japanese knotweed, but little attention is being given to bamboo.

Whilst bamboo is not currently classed as an invasive species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, problems associated with bamboo deem it to be a “nuisance”, especially due to the threat it poses to neighbouring property and land, which could lead to disputes that can be costly to resolve.

Bamboo has been called aggressive, spreading through long lateral roots which can extend close to 30 feet from the parent plant. Bamboo is widely used by owners of properties that have overlooked gardens, to create a sense of privacy due to its screening qualities, which is why its very location, along boundaries, is likely to cause disputes with neighbours due to the heightened risk of encroachment and by damaging drains, cavity walls and patios (amongst other things).

Given the variety of bamboo, some types can spread rapidly compared to others, but over time, most forms of bamboo pose the risk of becoming a threat when left unmanaged.

When buying property or land, you should pay attention to plants in and around the property. You should consider instructing a specialist to determine whether a plant is “invasive” or likely to become a “nuisance” to others, prior to the exchange of contracts.

This blog was written by Pardeep Kandola, an Associate Solicitor within our Conveyancing team in Leamington Spa. To speak to Pardeep about Conveyancing matters, please call 01926 887700 or email pardeep.kandola@thomasflavell.co.uk