The nine ‘criminal' garden plants that could get you in trouble with the police and leave you with a £5,000 fine

The Irish Sun

23-05-2025

THE sun is out and many of us are making the most of it in our gardens.
But instead of sitting on your lounger, you may want to focus your attention on the plants growing in your garden to prevent a hefty fine.
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These plants could cost you thousands of pounds
Credit: Getty
While they may look innocent, there are several plants wreaking havoc in UK gardens, and if you're not careful, it could lead to structural damage, wildlife damage and paying out fines.
Gardening experts at Fantastic Gardeners say these plants are more than just annoying weeds, they can takeover wildlife, cause burns and some are under strict regulation laws in the UK.
'These plants tend to spread vigorously, making their control costly and difficult,' they warned.
Here, we take a look at the plants you need to check are in your garden to prevent penalties of up to £5,000 or two years in jail according to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
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Spear Thistle
This purple plant may look lovely but is highly invasive and poses a huge threat to other UK native species.
Spear thistle is a troublesome weed because, upon germination, it produces a tap root with lateral roots that spread horizontally.
According to Fantastic Gardeners, it's incredibly adaptable and can compete with almost every plant it comes across so if you see it in the garden, it's time to get your gloves on.
Broad-Leaved Dock
This green, leafy plant may look harmless but is also highly invasive and can bring a huge range of unwanted garden pests, according to the
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Broad-leaved dock thrives in all soil types, with 'no climatic limitation' stopping it from spreading throughout the UK.
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The Dock plant can bring unwanted pests
Credit: Getty
Common Ragwort
The pretty yellow flowers might deceive you, but this is one of the most commonly reported weeds across the country.
This weed is toxic to mammals and its growth should be strictly controlled to protect livestock.
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These pretty flowers are toxic to animals
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Map reveals worst areas for Japanese knotweed with fears plant will wipe thousands off house prices
Curled Dock
Similar to Broad-leaved dock, this is a resilient and persistent weed.
Both curled dock and broad-leaved dock are regulated under the Weeds Act of 1959.
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The curled dock is also considered an invasive plant
Credit: Getty
Japanese Knotweed
This invasive plant is one of the most well-known in the UK.
The Japanese Knotweed can grow almost anywhere and can cause serious issues for homeowners.
Knotweed can take years to completely eradicate and often costs over £10,000 to remove professionally.
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Japanese Knotweed can cost thousands to remove
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Rhododendron Ponticum
While this plant has beautiful purple blooms making it an attractive addition to the garden, you need to be careful
This plant towers over others and prevents sunlight from reaching them.
In fact, the UK spends millions each year trying to eradicate it, and it's far from easy to control.
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This plant prevents others from growing
Credit: Getty - Contributor
May gardening jobs
The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you need to crack on with in May.
GARDEN growth can go from nought to ninety in May, depending on the weather. The last UK frosts are generally seen at the beginning of the month, so all of a sudden there's so much more to do and grow.
Plant out dahlia tubers
It's a joy to finally plant out your dahlia tubers. Remember how big they can get - and space accordingly - anything up to half a metre apart.
It's a good idea to put your support stakes in now instead of trying to work around them.
And make sure you include lots of well rotted manure or decent compost to feed it and then mulch to keep it moist and suppress weeds. They generally start blooming in July.
Final feed to Spring flowers
You can give a cheeky feed to all your remaining tulips and daffodils.
Although the majority of bulbs aren't guaranteed to come back year after year any more, as long as you've left them to die back naturally there's a good chance they'll have stored enough energy to come back again. Tomato feed is fine.
Tie up climbers
Your clematis, honeysuckle and rambling roses should be well on their way by now - try to use plastic free string to tie them back into their support, or tuck them round each other to make sure they don't sprout off in crazy directions.
Feed the lawn
It's not too late to give your lawn a good feed.
Whether you use granular or liquid, it can give it a good boost to see it through the harsher summer months.
While mowing, don't go too low with your cut length yet and never take more than a third off the grass height.
Get creative
It's also time to get creative with hanging baskets and pots.
Trailing pelargoniums, which a lot of people call geraniums, and Begonias are a good, low cost way of getting lovely returning blooms throughout the summer in your baskets.
And pots can be planted with spring bulbs.
Don't forget the greenhouse
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Give your greenhouse a good tidy and clean the glass inside and out.
The improved light will help plants grow quicker inside and tidying is good for the soul.
You can just use a household white wine vinegar and water solution - or even neat if you're feeling spendy - which gives a really good shine.
Himalayan Balsam
Another pretty plant that is a total menace to UK wildlife is the Himalayan Balsam.
It spreads easily through animals, wind and rivers, and this fast-growing species is hard to contain once it takes off.
Each plant can produce around 800 seeds, with pods that can launch them up to 22 feet away from the original site.
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This weed can travel quickly, taking other native species
Credit: Alamy
Giant Hogweed
Another common plant seen by the coast and in forests is Giant
It's one you want to steer clear of as it contains a potent chemical called furanocoumarins, which can cause serious injury if its sap touches human skin.
The reaction can lead to burning, blistering, and even permanent scarring, making this plant one of the most dangerous in the UK.
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Giant Hogweed can cause harm to humans
Credit: Getty
New Zealand Pigmyweed
Last but not least is the New Zealand Pigmyweed, which wipes out any native species that crosses its path.
To prevent its spread, sales of this plant have been banned in the UK since 2014.
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The sale of this plant has been banned for over ten years
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