Although bamboo is known for its beauty as an ornamental plant, and as a highlight of a garden, it could become a problem, so it's good to know how to get rid of it. Nowadays, there are more than 1200 species of bamboo sold in nurseries, which can grow out of all proportion and become a harmful nuisance for the environment and neighboring gardens. Getting rid of this plant can take several years, depending on the degree of infestation, but you can do it with some simple garden tools. Keep reading.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Part One: Remove the Bamboo
Step 1. Separate the bamboo you want to delete
Bamboo culms, or stems, are connected by underground rhizomes that grow rapidly and close to the surface of the soil. By cutting through the rhizomes, you can separate and contain the bamboo. The simplest method is to split them using the tip of a heavy shovel.
- If you want to get rid of an entire bamboo grove, you should start by starting at the edges and moving inward. First, separate the outer bamboo ring so that it remains contained within a bounded area. Depending on the size of the grove, the work could take weeks, months or even years.
- This technique is also effective if you want to preserve an area of bamboo. Cut the rhizomes that connect the bamboo sections so they don't spread and continue growing together. Remove each area you want to eliminate, allowing another to continue living. You will need to go back to cutting the remaining section periodically to prevent it from "running" under the ground and spreading to other areas.
Step 2. Mow the stalks
Now that the rhizomes are cut, cut the stalks as close to the ground as possible. For thin stems you can use a lawn mower or wire cutters, while for larger ones you may need a chainsaw. If you keep the area manicured over time, the bamboo won't have a chance to make too much space.
You can cut the stems at any time of the year, but the best is spring when new growth appears. Bamboo, at this stage, must drain its energy reserves, and it will be easier and faster to get rid of it while it is dormant
Step 3. Dig the rhizomes
Use a shovel to dig up the rhizomes and throw them. It is advisable to remove them the same day that you cut the stalks; bamboo grows so fast that waiting for even a day or two means having new stalks forming before you can even work on the rhizomes.
If the grove is too large to be able to completely cut and dig it in one day, remember to start from the outer edges inwards, reducing it as you go
Step 4. Keep cutting and digging until you see no more sprouts
The first few times there will surely be some rhizomes lying around, so you will have to use the same method several times before the bamboo disappears completely. If you are working in the spring, when the growth cycle is rapid, you are able to get rid of a significant amount of bamboo in a matter of days. At other times of the year it may be necessary to check for new growths every 2-3 weeks.
Method 2 of 2: Part Two: Prevent It From Growing Back
Step 1. Use a root barrier
If your neighbor's bamboo continually creeps into your garden, you can keep it at bay by installing a root barrier. You can find it in the form of plastic rolls at DIY and gardening stores. Alternatively, you can put metal and concrete barriers which are equally effective.
- You can dig a trench to act as a barrier if you prefer not to use non-porous material in the garden.
- You can also create a pond or stream to effectively block bamboo roots.
Step 2. Consider using herbicides
Applying herbicide to bamboo shoots can prevent them from growing. However, this method does not work as well as removing the stalks and rhizomes by hand. It may be difficult to find a chemical that works effectively on the particular bamboo species you are dealing with. Even if you find the right product, you could kill other plants or destroy your neighbor's precious bamboo grove.
If you want to try a herbicide, use a glyphosate or a selective one directly on the new growth, whenever it appears. A selective herbicide is not as effective as glyphosate in controlling bamboo, but you can use it in flower beds or around ornamental shrubs
Step 3. Purchase a clumping bamboo species
Not all species "infest" the whole garden; some actually stay contained when you leave them. Ask an expert at your trusted nursery to help you choose a species that won't overrun your entire property.
Step 4. Plant the bamboo in a large pot
This is an easy way to enjoy this beautiful plant while keeping it in check. Most bamboo species fit well in large pots that can be kept on the porch or in the garden.
Advice
- Keep in mind that planting bamboo is an excellent idea … for the first ten years; eventually, though, your neighbors will come to hate you for it.
- It is necessary to treat the entire bamboo plot, not just the problem areas, otherwise it will continue to grow.
- Be careful if you use glyphosate herbicide, because it kills almost everything it comes in contact with.
- Of the two types of bamboo, the agglomerated one and the spreading one, the latter is the more invasive and difficult to eliminate.
Warnings
- Do not neglect the care of the bamboo, it is an aggressive pest that takes advantage of the moments of respite to regrow and proliferate.
- Bamboo has almost no disease or predators that can help you in controlling the infestation. It is very aggressive and suffocates many native plants.
