Garden plants should be avoided, which devalue houses many times over and cause serious problems

Plants are considered a garden essential in most homes as they help bring color and beauty to the outdoor space.

However, growing certain crops can result in property damage, reduce a property’s value and even turn off buyers altogether.

When gardeners want to ruin their summer and end up losing thousands in property value, there are some plants to avoid.

For those who have any of these plants in their yard, it is important to take action before putting the home on the market.

Gardening expert Fiona Jenkins of MyJobQuote.co.uk has unveiled five plants that could drive down property values ​​the most.

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1. Japanese knotweed

The Japanese knotweed is a bamboo-like plant structure with red shoots and scoop-shaped leaves. The Japanese knotweed grows up to about three meters high and can dig up to about 20 meters deep in the ground.

The expert claimed that this plant is “very dangerous” around the house, as its underground roots can “weaken foundations and destroy plumbing.”

Fiona urged: “If you notice Japanese knotweed near your home, you must take immediate action. It can be extremely difficult to get rid of and requires professional help to ensure it is removed properly. On average, Japanese knotweed can reduce the value of your home by around £25,000.”

2. English ivy

Ivy can look very attractive, especially when attached to the exterior walls of homes. However, ivy “can often be harmful”.

The expert explained: “It can attack the walls of your home by penetrating through cracks and penetrating the mortar. This can cause serious problems with moisture and lead to significant leaks.”

English ivy can be peeled by hand, but it’s important to wear gloves to avoid irritation. The roots are relatively easy to kill or remove as a do-it-yourself job.

3. Giant Bear Claw

Giant Hogweed is an “invasive plant” with thick, purple-spotted stems and white, umbrella-shaped flowers. This plant is often found near ponds. The sap of this plant is “phototoxic,” meaning it can cause severe skin burns when exposed to the sun.

While it doesn’t cause damage to a property, removal “can cost a significant sum” – around £15,000 on average. With this in mind, the presence of this plant in gardens “could prompt buyers to ask for a lower price for the property,” Fiona warned.

4. Poplars

Trees are a brilliant addition to any garden as they provide shade and beauty. However, if you have large trees like poplars in the garden, they will form large roots under the garden.

If these are near a house, this could “cause structural problems”. This could then lead to a “reduced real estate price”.

5. Himalayan Balm

Himalayan balsam is described as an “aggressive” pink flowering shrub. This plant can have a “very significant impact” on the local ecosystem, so it’s important for gardeners to keep it in check. Fiona said: “It can get very overwhelming if you don’t keep track.

“If you allow this plant to spread to neighboring properties, it can be a criminal offense and you could face a hefty fine.”