Bamboo grows surprisingly well in the southern United States.
And under the right conditions,bamboo can spread rapidly.
Trying to contain one of the “running” types of bamboo is a problem for many gardeners.
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Read on to learn how to get rid of bamboo.
Persistent, natural measuresas opposed to a chemical attackcan safely eradicate the plant.
This requires a diligent effort that must begin in the spring and continue throughout the plant’s growing cycle.
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In mild climates where bamboo thrives, this could mean year-round removal efforts until the grove is eliminated.
What is a rhizome?
Also called creeping rootstalks, rhizomes are underground stems that grow horizontally beneath the surface of the soil.
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They send up shoots along their length that break through the soil.
The process might need to be repeated for up to six months to achieve full eradication.
Cut Bamboo to Ground Level
Cut the bamboo to ground level with pruners or a handsaw.
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Immature plants that exist on the periphery of the grove can also be mowed down with a lawnmower.
Water the Area
Water the area thoroughly with a garden hose or sprinkler.
Eventually, they’ll no longer send up new shoots.
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Allow any remaining rhizomes (underground stems that send up new shoots) to rot in the soil.
Thus, this method is recommended only for smaller patches or clumping varieties.
Clumping bamboo does not contain rhizomes, so it’s easier to remove from the soil.
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Water Bamboo
Water the bamboo patch with a garden hose or sprinkler.
Allow the moisture to soak into the soil for about half an hour.
Pull the Plant Out
Pull the plant from the ground,rootballand all.
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Break Up Rhizomes
Use an ax to break up the rhizomes.
Remove all pieces of the rhizomes if possible.
Repeat the process until you’ve dug up and removed the whole patch.
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Repeat the process until nothing grows back.
This typically takes around two months.
Cut Bamboo
Using pruners or a handsaw, cut the bamboo to ground level.
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Cover With Tarps or Garbage Bags
Cover the entire area with dark plastic tarps or garbage bags.
Secure them with landscaping pins, or place rocks on top of the tarps.
Wait
Wait several weeks or months until the contents below the tarps have suffocated.
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Alternatively, plant other proliferatingperennialsaround the border to create a natural barrier that will crowd out new bamboo shoots.
Any fraction of a rhizome left behind can result in a new shoot.
For the smothering method, consider enlisting the help of buried barriers.
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This method also works well if you have a patch of bamboo you want to keep yet control.
you could use the same methods to eradicate this species.
Searching for clumping bamboo?
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Reach out to nurseries in your area to discover what’s perennial and what grows best in your region.
A broad-spectrum herbicide, such asglyphosate, can be an effective way to get rid of bamboo.
Plus, it is toxic to humans and animals.
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Spraying bamboo with vinegarwill weaken and eventually kill it if youre diligent.
The acidity in vinegar works by drying up the plant.
But youll have to keep reapplying it as it wears off and rain washes it away.
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Yes, boiling water can assist you in removing bamboo.
Growing Bamboo in Georgia.
University of Georgia Extension.
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U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
