Landscaping is a key element in enhancing your home’s appeal, but not all plants are created equal.
In the UK, certain plants can detract from your property’s value, leading to costly maintenance issues or deterring potential buyers. Here’s a guide to the plants you should avoid to maintain and increase your home’s market value.
1) Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica)
Japanese Knotweed is notorious in the UK for its aggressive growth and the severe damage it can cause to buildings and infrastructure.
This invasive species can break through concrete and tarmac, leading to costly repairs. Its presence can significantly lower property values and may even complicate mortgage approvals and sales.
2) Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
Giant Hogweed is not only invasive but also dangerous. Its sap can cause severe skin burns and long-lasting scars when exposed to sunlight. This plant’s presence can deter families with children and pets, reducing the overall desirability of your property.
3) Rhododendron Ponticum
Rhododendron Ponticum is an attractive flowering plant but is highly invasive and toxic. It can spread rapidly, outcompeting native flora and requiring extensive management efforts. The plant’s toxicity to livestock and wildlife also makes it a poor choice for properties in rural areas or near farmland.
In the UK, it is illegal to plant Rhododendron Ponticum in the wild or allow it to spread from your property. Any prunings or waste material must be disposed of responsibly.
4) Bamboo
Bamboo, particularly running varieties, can be extremely invasive with root systems that spread far and wide. Once established, bamboo can be very difficult to control and remove, and often needs professional intervention to control it.
Its aggressive nature can lead to property damage and disputes with neighbours, making it a potential devaluation factor.
5) Ivy
While ivy can add a touch of charm and history to your property, its potential to cause structural damage, moisture issues, pest infestations, and legal disputes makes it a risky choice for many homeowners. Ivy’s root systems can crawl into cracks in bricks, gaps in walls and weak spots in structure, exacerbating any holes in your home.
The fast-growing weed can also be difficult to remove, with the ability to spread into out-of-reach areas. Ivy can also provide an ideal habitat for various pests, including insects and rodents. These pests can make their way into your home, causing additional problems and making the property less appealing to prospective buyers.
Additionally, English ivy can take only 3 months to establish before growing 9 feet annually. If not removed initially, unwanted ivy can turn from a minor blemish to a rapidly expanding problem on your property.
A house completely overrun by ivy due to a lack of care can be unattractive to potential buyers due to high removal costs and maintenance.
Further reading
How much value can a garden add to a property?
Selling – Oakwood Property Solicitors
WHAT TO DO NEXT
To make a start on the next step in your property journey, get in touch today to book a consultation with a member of our team. Call us on 0113 218 5727 to find out how we can help you.
