As warmer weather draws more people into their gardens, Brits may be considering which plants to grow outside. With so many options, it can be hard to know which will work well in your garden. But home insurance experts are warning that some of the UK's most common garden plants could be putting properties at risk. The experts at Norton Insurance Brokers have identified several "garden favourites" and invasive plants that can cause costly property damage and even lead to rejected insurance claims if left unchecked. Gardeners should be aware of the laws surrounding these plants if they have them.
Wisteria
Wisteria is a stunning plant, but it poses hidden risks that homeowners don't realise until it's too late. Mark Wilkinson, managing director at the firm, said: "Known for its elegant, cascading blooms, wisteria can be surprisingly aggressive behind the scenes. It grows quickly and develops thick, woody stems that twist around anything in its path. As the stems mature, they exert pressure on walls, gutters and rooflines, gradually widening gaps and creating potential entry points for water and frost damage." When allowed to spread, wisteria can even dislodge roof tiles or gutters. The expert added that when it's planted too close to a property, its root system can even begin to interfere with underground drainage.
Bamboo
Once established, bamboo's underground roots spread fast, sometimes metres beyond the original planting spot. It's capable of lifting patio slabs, breaking through driveways and in more extreme cases, even surfacing through floorboards in the home. The expert said: "Bamboo isn't specifically excluded from all insurance policies yet. However, insurers usually classify damage from plants as gradual and preventable. If it's determined that the bamboo was planted deliberately or allowed to spread unchecked, any resulting damage may not be covered, with claims potentially rejected due to poor maintenance." Currently, there are no laws banning its planting, but legal responsibilities apply, according to the expert. If your bamboo encroaches on a neighbour's property and causes damage or nuisance, you could be liable for a civil nuisance claim.
Japanese knotweed
Japanese knotweed remains the most recognisable plant associated with property risk, known for its rapid spread. It can grow through cracks in paving, walls and drainage systems, and is widely associated with concerns around property sales and mortgage lending. The expert said: "Japanese knotweed can create legal and financial issues if it is allowed to spread to neighbouring land. Homeowners selling a property may also need to disclose known knotweed issues, and buyers, lenders and insurers will usually want to understand whether a treatment plan is in place."
English ivy
English ivy is a classic sight on British homes and garden walls, loved for its evergreen charm. But ivy is notorious for damaging the structures it clings to. Its small roots are incredibly powerful, capable of digging into cracks and mortar joints. The expert said: "Insurers typically see damage caused by ivy and other creeping plants as a maintenance issue rather than a sudden, insurable event. If ivy contributes to structural damage, a claim may be refused on the grounds of neglect. Regular trimming and keeping ivy away from the main structure is strongly advised. There's also a potential legal complication to consider. Ivy provides shelter for nesting birds, and under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it's illegal to damage or destroy any active wild bird's nest. If you're thinking of removing ivy, always check for nesting activity, especially during spring and summer."
