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Daily Mirror
10-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Every plant banned in the UK and what to do if you spot them in your garden
If you notice any of your garden plants growing out of control, make sure to check that they aren't any one of these six plants which can wreck ecosystems and damage your home Like weeds, some of the UK's most ferocious plants grow at a rapid rate, and failure to control any of the banned species in your garden could land you in trouble. Most of us think of plants as harmless – but some are actually banned in the UK for their ability to impact local wildlife and ability to even disrupt the foundation of a building. What's more alarming is that many of them don't look like anything especially odd, which means home-owners need to brush up on their ability to recognise them. Invasive plants are generally considered to be ones that grow extremely fast in the British climate and which risk monopolising vital resources like sunlight, nutrients, water and space. According to Environmental Controls, there are over 200 invasive plant species currently in the UK, and 36 are considered species of special concern – however some are more common and cause more damage than others. Crucially, not all are held under the same restrictions. Some are legally banned from being planted in the wild, while others are governed by laws that mean you cannot allow them to spread outside of your property. Meanwhile, some plants, like common ragwort, could land you in a legal battle if you don't show evidence of controlling the species. This is because you can be fined under the Weeds Act 1959. So, which common invasive species do you need to be on the lookout for? According to Environmental Controls, there are six banned plants that are considered 'common offenders'. These include the Japanese knotweed giant hogweed, himalayan balsam, three cornered garlic, rhododendron ponticum, and New Zealand pigmyweed – which is an aquatic plant. These plants all display invasive growth patterns and are therefore heavily regulated. They are all listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), which means it is an offence to plant or cause to grow these plants in the wild. Japanese knotweed has gained particular attention in the media for its destructive properties, and has been known to grow through walls, as well as break through underground drains. The reason why it spreads so fast is that it grows via an underground root system which can develop new shoots based on small fragments of the plant. In the UK, it also benefits from having few natural predators. What do you do if you spot them in your garden? Fortunately, there are several viable options for removing these destructive plants from your property. Environmental Controls write: 'If you have invasive plants on your land it's important that they are controlled, or if you want to get rid of them ensure they are treated or removed by a professional company, especially if they are required to be removed to a licensed landfill.'
Daily Mirror
03-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners warned about destructive plant 'as bad as knotweed'
Gardening experts have raised concerns about this seemingly innocent-looking plant which can cause "significant damage" to buildings Buddleia might add a dash of colour to UK gardens, but these purple plants have already caused significant distress about their potential to cause considerable damage to properties. Experts fear that the plant, which is also known as the "butterfly bush", can be problematic for homeowners and some have already equated its level of threat to another notorious horticultural hazard, Japanese knotweed. Environmental Controls, a company specialising in removing invasive weeds, has warned homeowners regarding the often underestimated dangers of buddleia. Beloved for its attractive blooms, the plant is notorious for tearing through buildings, exploiting any weakness, such as cracks and fragile mortar, similar to the feared knotweed. Speaking on the matter, company spokesman Jennifer Holmes said: "Both buddleia and knotweed can cause significant damage to building structures, however buddleia is less likely to damage underground infrastructure due to its shallow root system. "Both are highly invasive and difficult to eradicate, but buddleia (unlike knotweed) can grow in hard to access areas such as roofs, guttering, window sills and walls – basically anywhere that a seed lands it can grow. Knotweed, on the other hand, requires its roots to be on the ground in order to form plants, and quickly spreads." Jennifer pointed out that buddleia's rapid growth, reaching heights up to 15 feet – dwarfing Japanese knotweed – should be of significant concern for those owning property. Despite these warnings, buddleia remains unlisted on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, thus UK residents are still at liberty to plant it in their gardens, reports Devon Live. Experts are warning homeowners to be vigilant for the aggressive plant, particularly if it's not a controlled garden plant. Keep an eye out for it sprouting from neglected corners of roofs and walls where it flourishes unnoticed, and tackle eradication before it takes root. Japanese knotweed is subject to stringent legal controls due to its invasive nature and potential to cause property damage. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, it is an offence to plant or cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild. Property owners are legally obliged to prevent the spread of Japanese knotweed from their land to neighbouring properties. Japanese knotweed is classified as controlled waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Its disposal must adhere to specific regulations to prevent environmental contamination. The presence of Japanese knotweed can impact property sales and mortgage approvals. Sellers are required to disclose its presence, and failure to do so can lead to legal repercussions. Effective management often requires professional treatment over several years. DIY removal is discouraged due to the plant's resilience and the risk of spreading.
