![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/warning-invasive-plant-can-punch-through-driveways-cost-you-thousands/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/newspress-collage-24208108-1696001294736.jpg&description=Exclusive GROWING PAIN Published : 13:03, 1 Oct 2023 Updated : 13:03, 1 Oct 2023 A GARDENING expert has issued an urgent warning over a "highly invasive" plant that can punch through your driveway and cost you thousands. Bamboo has been a hugely popular screening plant over the years, but frequently people aren't aware of its potential to cause damage . 6 Bamboo has been a hugely popular screening plant over the years Credit: Jon Barton, MD of Root Barrier Store 6 Generally it can be divided into 'running' and 'clumping' (pictured) varieties Credit: Jon Barton, MD of Root Barrier Store 6 Running varieties can infest a lawn so that it costs thousands to remove them Credit: Jon Barton, MD of Root Barrier Store Bamboo is a non-native plant species that can grow and spread at a different rate in the UK than it does in its native habitat. Generally bamboo can be divided into "running" and "clumping" varieties, with the former being the greater cause for concern. Running varieties can send out stem-like structures, called rhizomes, several metres long. When these rhizomes emerge they form the start of what will become new canes in new locations. The typical bamboo damage heard about is caused by rhizomes. Many parallels can be drawn with Japanese knotweed , now commonly known to be a highly problematic plant. One major difference is that many people "choose" to plant bamboo. Jon Barton, managing director of Root Barrier Store , described how allowing the plant to spread over a neighbouring boundary and failing to act could leave you liable for removal, repair and legal costs. He told the Sun: "Bamboo is a marvellous example of nature at its resilient best. "If bamboo's characteristics were paralleled with human qualities, it would be a soldier, a marine or a SAS operative. "It is incredibly tenacious, strong and able to survive where other plants can't. "Allowing bamboo to encroach onto a neighbouring property can cause disputes. "However, when it starts to spread under t){kind=link}
A GARDENING expert has issued an urgent warning over a “highly invasive” plant that can punch through your driveway and cost you thousands.
Bamboo has been a hugely popular screening plant over the years, but frequently people aren’t aware of its potential to cause damage.
Bamboo is a non-native plant species that can grow and spread at a different rate in the UK than it does in its native habitat.
Generally bamboo can be divided into “running” and “clumping” varieties, with the former being the greater cause for concern.
Running varieties can send out stem-like structures, called rhizomes, several metres long.