Bamboo Q

Hi
Whats the best method to stop a Bamboo from spreading?? I have read online that i need to dig down 2 feet and install a barrier, but whats the best material to use? Concrete? Corrugated plastic? Is there a better option??

Thanks

Wayne

 

Don't plant it in the first place! I'm sure you'll have numerous replies to your question since there are many of us here who've found out the hard way, that a bamboo intent on taking over is an unstoppable beast.

Digging down 2' is a start, but I'm not the only one here who, when trying to contain (or eradicate) a bamboo has found roots at a depth of more than 3' (depending on the variety). It's also worth remembering that the tiniest bit of root if not carefully disposed of, will grow. The RHS website gives this advice 'Bamboo shoots may pop up anywhere in the garden: neighbouring land or even through solid barriers such as patios and conservatory floors. Most weed-suppressant groundcover fabrics will not stop bamboo spreading.'

If it's a new plant you're about to put into your garden, then for heaven's sake plant it in a container, if it's an established plant then might I suggest you take a look at this part of the RHS website which gives specific advice about physical barriers for bamboo. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?PID=79

 

i am currently battling with my neighbours bamboo - am really cheesed off because until i have killed the damn thing i am not planting anything more in my bed!

i have had to dig down two feet for up to eight feet in length to get the roots out


my beds a real mess

loopy

 

DONT PLANT IT !

It is coming up from my neighbours and is in the lawn, poking through the plastic sheeting under my gravel bed and well you name it and it's there GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

 

Sounds awful, my husband said once you've got bamboo getting into your garden, you'll need to watch out for panda's too!

 

The non invasive varieties make excellent screens all year round.

We had a bamboo many years ago for a few years which flowered one year and died, as did many others in gardens and the entire stock of some garden centres.
Then a few years later this appeared in the side bed halfway down the garden. I presume a bird must have dropped a seed. Several years later it had grown into a clump about two feet in diameter. I dug it up, the roots weren't very deep and I cut it up into small sections, I had to use a spade as the roots were really tough. I planted the segments against the back post & panel fence to form a screen about eight feet across. It's been there about ten years and is really thick now but not that tall, no more than eight feet high, no cane is thicker than my little finger and it doesn't extend more than two feet into the garden. I guess I've been lucky that it happened to be of the non-invasive variety.

 

Thanx fr the replies everyone

The Bamboo was already planted when i moved into my home 3 years ago. The previous owner had made an attempt to take it with her, but only managed to take 95% of the bamboo. The remaining 5% has sprouted half a dozen new shoots each year since, until this year, which has seen 35-40 new shoots come through!! I really like the plant and it is situated in a convenient location, i just need to keep it from growing though the plants i intend to place in front of it next year.
I may have a crack at it this weekend and dig down 2-3 feet and install a perspex barrier.

Once again, thanyou for your replies

Wayne

 

Just don't plant bamboo at all. I have some in my garden and it's invading everywhere - even going under paths and working its way through 15 inches of gravel!!