Controlling the spread of a running bamboo is usually done from just inches below ground because running bamboo roots are very shallow.
Containing bamboo roots.
King of spades essential tools for bamboo maintenance.
Bamboo has thick underground roots called rhizomes which must be severed to contain its spread.
Many people have tried to control a running bamboo by cutting down the canes above ground which actually encourages the running bamboo to spread even more below ground.
Contain the running bamboo with a physical barrier.
If you don t want the bamboo at all you can remove it manually or use special herbicides to kill it.
Bamboo roots are thin and fibrous think big grass roots and can go down 2 3 feet.
Trimming the constantly growing roots or rhizomes is of the greatest importance for controlling the growth of these beautiful plants.
The creeping rhizomes and roots of bamboo are virtually immune to the herbicides people normally use on unwanted plants.
Removing the cane and shoots above ground will not in any way harm your plants.
In general most bamboo will be sufficiently contained using a 24 deep bamboo barrier.
These are the basics of how to use this product when using it to install bamboo.
There are two types of cultural methods that can be used.
After this you are not done in your efforts to control bamboo spread.
The growth of your bamboo actually takes place underground and these roots are what need to be addressed.
Digging timber bamboo with king of spades shovels and bamboo slammers.
For additional protection or more aggressive species a 36 deep bamboo barrier is the best choice.
In order to start to get rid of bamboo you must physically dig up the offending clump.
The first method is cutting the growing shoots near the plant in spring and the other method is cutting a grove in the roots during the summer.
This makes them easy to locate and prune if done on an annual basis.
Make sure you remove as much of the roots as possible.
Video produced by noah bell 2013.
Determine the extent of the area to be given over to the bamboo.
The safest containment methods for running bamboo are 1 planting in containers or 2 installing a vertical 30 40 mil thick plastic rhizome barrier 22 30 inches deep around the perimeter of the area in which the bamboo is to be contained.
Excellent professional grade tools for cutting rhizomes and digging bamboo.
The rhizomes which is the part that actually spreads usually stay fairly shallow less than 12 inches.
Follow this simple guide to get rid of bamboo or at least bring it under control.
We now sell the king of spades root cutting shovel 13 blade long handle and the bamboo slammer.