In Devon, much like its neighbour Cornwall, bamboo has increasingly become a plant that divides opinion — prized by some gardeners for its exotic look and fast growth but equally criticised for how aggressively it can spread if not managed properly. Experts on invasive plants in the South West of England have even identified Devon as one of the regions where bamboo’s vigorous spreading habit is particularly noticeable, alongside Cornwall, meaning local gardens from Dartmouth and Woolacombe to Totnes and Salcombe have seen problems with unchecked bamboo growth.
The main cause of this issue in Devon is “running” bamboo varieties, which send out long underground stems (rhizomes) that can extend many metres from the original planting spot and produce new shoots in unexpected places. These rhizomes are strong and persistent, often appearing through lawns, around patios and hard landscaping, and even into neighbouring gardens without warning. They can be difficult to spot until the plant is well established, at which point controlling or removing it becomes a long and sometimes costly task.
Beyond just spreading through garden soil, bamboo’s underground network can cause real practical problems in Devon properties. Rhizomes can wind under driveways, paved areas or even towards building foundations, potentially lifting surfaces or exploiting cracks — a concern developers, gardeners and homeowners share. Professional removal services in the region note that eradication often involves careful excavation, installation of root barriers or repeated management to stop regrowth, and costs can vary widely depending on how extensive the infestation is.
Legally, while bamboo isn’t classed as an invasive species under UK law in the same way as plants like Japanese knotweed, there’s still an obligation not to allow it to spread into a neighbour’s property, and failure to control its spread can lead to claims for nuisance or damage.
Southwest Knotweed surveys properties in all areas of Devon on a daily basis. We have a proven track record in providing the right survey report, with the right treatment programme and the right Insurance Backed Guarantees to allow the property transaction to proceed.
We believe in doing the job well and being professional every time. Book your PCA qualified surveyor today.
In Devon, Southwest Knotweed covers Plymouth, Exeter, Torquay, Paignton, Exmouth, Barnstaple, Newton Abbot, Tiverton, Brixham, Bideford, Teignmouth, Sidmouth, Dawlish, Tavistock, Northam, Ivybridge, Ilfracombe, Honiton, Kingsteignton, Cullompton, Crediton, Totnes, Bovey, Tracey, Okehampton, Seaton, Axminster, Kingsbridge, Great Torrington, Dartmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Ottery St. Mary, South Molton, Chudleigh, Ashburton, Buckfastleigh, Exminster, Colyton, Holsworthy, Bradninch, Salcombe and North Tawton.
We cover the following postcode areas:
DT7, EX1, EX10, EX11, EX12, EX13, EX14, EX15, EX16, EX17, EX18, EX19, EX2, EX20, EX21, EX22, EX23, EX3, EX31, EX32, EX33, EX34, EX35, EX36, EX37, EX38, EX39, EX4, EX5, EX6, EX7, EX8, EX9, PL1, PL15, PL16, PL19, PL20, PL21, PL3, PL4, PL5, PL6, PL7, PL8, PL9, TA21, TQ1, TQ10, TQ11, TQ12, TQ13, TQ14, TQ2, TQ3, TQ4, TQ5, TQ6, TQ7, TQ8, TQ9.
