Creeping or running bamboo. HELP - Ask Extension
Hi~I have creeping or running bamboo in my yard. It's taking over my garden. Don't know what to do!
Knowledgebase
Creeping or running bamboo. HELP #868290
Asked May 13, 2024, 7:36 PM EDT
Hi~I have creeping or running bamboo in my yard. It's taking over my garden. Don't know what to do!
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
Good Afternoon,
You can work to starve the root and rhizome system over time this way by removing all the green material that can photosynthesize, but due to the level of infestation, this will take several years, if achievable.
An alternative method would be to tarp the area after removing the material. You would want to use a heavy duty, impermeable type of material. It may take more than one growing season to achieve success.
MORE INFORMATION ON INVASIVE BAMBOO:
According to the University of Maryland Extension, bamboo is an invasive plant that can be challenging to remove. The following methods can be used to get rid of bamboo:
Dig it up: This method involves using a spade shovel to dig around the base of the bamboo plant to loosen the soil. Once the soil is loosened, the plant can be pulled out from the ground, root ball and all. For non-clumping varieties, follow the plant’s rhizomes as best as you can to remove all of the underground shoots.
Keep cutting it back: This method involves cutting the bamboo back to the ground level with pruners or a handsaw. Repeat this process until the roots are exhausted of their energy store.
Pour on boiling water: Pouring boiling water on the bamboo shoots can help kill the plant.
Use vinegar and plastic sheets: This method involves covering the bamboo with plastic sheets and then spraying vinegar on the leaves. The vinegar will kill the plant by drying it out.
Opt for a commercial weed killer: A commercial weed killer can be used to kill the bamboo. However, it is important to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
Above information is at this link:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/containing-and-removing-bamboo
Another article is BAMBOO CONTROL from Clemson University at this link:
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/bamboo-control/
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
You can work to starve the root and rhizome system over time this way by removing all the green material that can photosynthesize, but due to the level of infestation, this will take several years, if achievable.
An alternative method would be to tarp the area after removing the material. You would want to use a heavy duty, impermeable type of material. It may take more than one growing season to achieve success.
MORE INFORMATION ON INVASIVE BAMBOO:
According to the University of Maryland Extension, bamboo is an invasive plant that can be challenging to remove. The following methods can be used to get rid of bamboo:
Dig it up: This method involves using a spade shovel to dig around the base of the bamboo plant to loosen the soil. Once the soil is loosened, the plant can be pulled out from the ground, root ball and all. For non-clumping varieties, follow the plant’s rhizomes as best as you can to remove all of the underground shoots.
Keep cutting it back: This method involves cutting the bamboo back to the ground level with pruners or a handsaw. Repeat this process until the roots are exhausted of their energy store.
Pour on boiling water: Pouring boiling water on the bamboo shoots can help kill the plant.
Use vinegar and plastic sheets: This method involves covering the bamboo with plastic sheets and then spraying vinegar on the leaves. The vinegar will kill the plant by drying it out.
Opt for a commercial weed killer: A commercial weed killer can be used to kill the bamboo. However, it is important to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
Above information is at this link:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/containing-and-removing-bamboo
Another article is BAMBOO CONTROL from Clemson University at this link:
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/bamboo-control/
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
