Bamboo-like plant known as knotweed is a problem in Metro Vancouver

WATCH: Japanese Knotweed has spawned a destructive invasive species which has the potential to threaten roads and property. Julia Foy reports.

It may look like bamboo, but it’s not. It is much worse.

An invasive species known as the Japanese Knotweed is causing problems in the UK, and is now spreading across Canada. The plant is causing problems because of how strong it is and how fast it spreads. Langley resident Joe Cindrich is concerned about the species that covered 150 square feet of his property. It took him two and a half months and hundreds of hours to remove the knotweeds with herbicide.

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“It will destroy foundations. It can go through eight to 10 inches of concrete,” Cindrich told Global News.

“If you have knotweed on your property it is difficult to sell because nobody will buy it. And you can’t get insurance on property that has knotweed.”

Invasive Species expert Jennifer Grenze explains that “the public are upset because they don’t want to potentially lose their homes like some people have in the UK.”  Municipalities in the Metro Vancouver region have teamed up with Grenze to create informative videos, so homeowners know exactly what they are dealing with.

Grenze expresses her concern about the plant saying that “the plant poses very significant risks to infrastructure, like roads because it can actually heave concrete and cause it to crack. One of the biggest issues we have is the risk that knotweed has on fish.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: Grenze expresses her concern about the plant saying that "the plant poses very significant risks to infrastructure, like roads because it can actually heave concrete and cause it to crack. One of the biggest issues we have is the risk that knotweed has on fish."

With the hot weather we have been having this year, the knotweeds are extremely dry and could easily start a forest fire in Metro Vancouver.  Which is why Grenz says, “it’s important to get it under control; otherwise we have lost the battle.”

~ with files from Julia Foy