Bamboo coming through the fence: can I hold someone liable?

Questioner

Three years ago we tackled our entire garden! Now 3 years later our tiles are coming up and our fences are overgrown with bamboo from our back neighbour. This gentleman bought the house and the bamboo was already there from the previous occupant. Now the bamboo is in at least 6 gardens and it is only spreading further. We wanted to tackle this with our direct neighbours, but they are also moving and after hearing the costs... they decided not to tackle this 'problem' now and leave it to the new occupants. I understand it all, but we do want to tackle our garden (digging, removal, crane rental (because there is no back entrance etc.) All this comes to €8,000 or more per garden. If we tackle this now and the neighbours do not do it now and the bamboo comes through the fence again within six months? What then? Can you even hold anyone liable for this? They are now aware of the problem and consciously decide not to tackle it and pass it on. What can we do with this?

Lawyer

That is possible. That is future damage. Overhanging and crossing branches may be removed after warning, and roots chopped as long as that does not harm the plant. If you want some information about legal bamboo I may be able to help you.