Is bamboo likely to damage my house? - Ask Extension
Bamboo has been spreading into my yard from my neighbor's yard for years. Every year I go out and cut it down, but it grows back the following year, ...
Knowledgebase
Is bamboo likely to damage my house? #872215
Asked June 08, 2024, 4:57 PM EDT
Bamboo has been spreading into my yard from my neighbor's yard for years. Every year I go out and cut it down, but it grows back the following year, further into my yard. Now it is getting closer to the house. If it reaches the foundation, could it damage the foundation?
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
We don't know for certain if foundation damage is possible, but bamboo rhizomes (the underground stems that run and sprout new roots and stems) are very tough and resilient, so might worsen any existing cracks or damage. They have been known to punch through thick plastic plant pots.
Cutting down spreading bamboo culms (stems) is not enough to manage it successfully or stifle its spread; the entire plant needs to be dug out and/or treated with a systemic herbicide, likely more than once. Our Containing and Removing Bamboo page provides options for either blocking its spread more effectively using rhizome barrier, or eradicating an established patch (if the neighbor helps or permits you to treat it) using herbicide.
(If the linked page does not load, try again later today or tomorrow; a temporary website glitch is being fixed.)
Miri
Cutting down spreading bamboo culms (stems) is not enough to manage it successfully or stifle its spread; the entire plant needs to be dug out and/or treated with a systemic herbicide, likely more than once. Our Containing and Removing Bamboo page provides options for either blocking its spread more effectively using rhizome barrier, or eradicating an established patch (if the neighbor helps or permits you to treat it) using herbicide.
(If the linked page does not load, try again later today or tomorrow; a temporary website glitch is being fixed.)
Miri
