Households warned against “aggressive spread” of bamboo UK News

Households are advised to carefully select and plant certain types of bamboo to prevent the spread of invasive types that can damage properties.

Dr Peter Fitzsimons, of the Property Care Association (PCA), warned that some bamboo plants are “aggressive spreaders” and once planted they can be difficult to control.

This is because small sections of their roots can grow back, making them more difficult to manage.

Dr Fitzsimons, technical director of PCA’s invasive weed control group, said the problem in bamboo colonies was the use of bamboo for ‘styling’ in garden renovations in the 1980s. , which has continued since.

He said: “Bamboo plants have attractive foliage and their rapid growth helps create screens, but once established they are difficult to manage.

Dr Peter Fitzsimons (Photo PCA)

“This can lead to border encroachment conflicts very similar to what we see with Japanese knotweed. Small sections of their roots (rhizomes) can grow back, so contaminated soil placed in a ditch or hedge can quickly cause colonies to appear in the wild.

He added that management is “key” to controlling their spread.

“Homeowners, gardeners and other horticulturalists can make a valuable contribution in this regard,” said Dr Fitzsimons.

“More and more, the members of the APC are more and more called upon to take care of the factory, which can damage the buildings.

“They are at the forefront of the fight against invasive weeds in the UK and Ireland and recognize that prevention is far better than the large-scale effort required to keep non-native plants under control.”

Dr Fitzsimons also proposed steps people can take to prevent the spread of bamboo.

He said: “Our advice is that a little research before choosing what to plant and where to plant it is a good idea.

“For example, a ‘running’ bamboo species should only be planted a good distance from a neighboring property and preferably in raised beds.

“These beds should have a sturdy root barrier or large containers used on a hard backing to keep it from going where it isn’t wanted.”

The warning comes during Invasive Species Week, which is an annual event run by the UK’s Non-Native Species Secretariat to raise awareness about invasive species and how each can help prevent their spread.

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