Five ‘common’ garden plants that could ‘devalue’ your home by up to 15% | Leicestershire Live

Gardens are often filled with a variety of plants, shrubs and trees, each of which can mask the presence of the other pest. Expert surveyors have offered to help by identifying five of the most ‘common’ garden plants that could detract from property value if left.

1. Japanese troscot.

A notoriously invasive weed, recognizable by its bamboo-like shoots and spade-shaped leaves is Japanese knotweed. Its growth can reach up to three meters in height during spring and summer and can spread 20 meters underground.

Stokemont warns of how this unyielding weed can cause considerable damage to pipes, drains and compromise the strength of building foundations and pavements, leading to foundation collapse and reduced flood protection.

Because of these potential consequences, Japanese clapboard is classed as a defect by RICS Homebuyer Reports, which can cause a property price to be reduced by up to 15%, the Express reports.

The need to closely inspect this plant and remove it promptly cannot be understated, according to Stokemont’s Bradley McKenzie, who advised: “It is really important to check clearly and take immediate and thorough eradication measures before to be too late”.

He further urged homeowners to seek professional assistance to ensure complete removal, stressing: “We would highly recommend that you seek professional help when removing them as they easily re-establish themselves from even the smallest remnants.” .

However, he acknowledged those who prefer a DIY approach, suggesting: “If you prefer to do it yourself, pesticides would be the most effective way to kill those zombie-like plants.”

2. The ivy.

Primarily seen in enveloping landscapes throughout Europe, English ivy’s innocuous appearance masks a real threat to properties through its ability to cling to walls.

Stokemont explained that this invasive plant is known for its ability to seep into cracks in walls, damaging the quality of the mortar and introducing moisture or leaks into properties.

Bradley noted: “Unlike Giant Hogweed, English ivy can be removed with bare hands by carefully peeling them off the wall.

“However, not all wall climbing plants are harmful, such as Boston Ivy, so we recommend that you consult a professional before accidentally cutting some beautiful and safe plants from your wall.”

3. Giant Hogweed.

Giant Hogweed has similar characteristics to Japanese knotweed, especially an incredible growth rate. This plant tends to appear in June and July, recognizable by its thick green stems that bear purple spots and beautiful white flowers in an umbrella pattern at the top.

Experts said: “Widespread in the UK, particularly around rivers and ponds, the sap is phototoxic and can cause severe skin burns or scarring under sunlight.”

“Although they do not cause direct damage to the property, buyers may still balk at paying a higher price if they are present because of the high cost of removal – up to £15,000!”

4. Poplars, Willows and Oaks.

Most trees are harmless, however, some very large ones, such as willow and oak, can prove dangerous if planted too close to residences. This is primarily due to their extensive root systems, which are capable of spreading up to 40 meters, absorbing up to 1,000 liters of water and nutrients from the soil.

From their expertise, the inspectors stated: “They could live for around 50 years and are more difficult to remove when their roots become thicker and larger as time goes on. Their age, soil type, location, depth matter when deciding if your tree is a If they are grown too close to your property, they could lead to additional risks of foundation cracks, subsidence and other structural defects, which would it could cost between £5,000 and £25,000.”

5. Himalayan balm.

Introducing yet another weed, they pointed out that Himalayan balsam originated in the Himalayas itself, having arrived in Britain in 1839.

Displaying astonishing growth, the plant can reach up to two to three meters, with distinctive pink flowers appearing in the summer and autumn months.

Don’t be swayed by its attractive colors. This invasive nuisance has a wide geographical range, capable of spreading 800 seeds even through rivers, potentially wiping out other plants and leading to significantly reduced biodiversity due to accumulation of light, nutrients and water.

Ultimately, Bradley concluded, “It poses no physical danger to humans, but its significant ecological impact on nature and associated laws are not favored by buyers. So it is recommended that you keep this plant under control or eradicated and make sure it does not spread to your neighbours’ house as it may be illegal.”