Plants that are 'illegal' if they spread outside garden - the five 'worst offenders'
07.05.2024 - 11:23
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
With summer fast approaching, keen gardeners will be pruning hedges, planting flowers and pulling up weeds in the garden in preparation for the growing season.
But green-fingered fanatics may be surprised to learn that certain plants can actually be illegal if they grow outside your property. Under UK laws, you could be prosecuted for allowing so-called invasive plants to run riot outside your garden.
These invasive species are non-native plants with a propensity to spread uncontrollably and pop up where they're not wanted. It's against the law to intentionally let these plants take root in the wild or to neglect them in your garden to the point where they become a public nuisance.
According to the UK Government, if you find invasive non-native plants on your land, you must stop them from spreading and causing a nuisance or damage to other land or property. "If you do not, you could be responsible for any damage they cause and may be prosecuted," the law states.
It's important to note that these problematic plants aren't limited to weeds; many are available for purchase at local garden centres. To assist green-fingered enthusiasts, experts have identified several plants to steer clear of.
Specialists from Cel Solicitors have issued a warning that it is "a criminal offence" to plant or encourage the growth of certain non-native invasive species. Offenders could face hefty penalties, including a "£5,000 fine and/or two years imprisonment".
They highlighted: "We rounded up some of the worst offenders, most of which are so damaging to the environment they're actually illegal to grow in the UK."
Japanese knotweed was once considered a beautiful addition to UK gardens due to its attractive white flowers that burst into bloom during