Hi Pamela,

Thank you for reaching out to the Cooperative Extension’s Ask Extension service.

Controlling bamboo is a difficult and manual process. Bamboo is a type of grass so constant mowing with your mower set to its lowest setting will help to keep if from spreading. If you want to get rid of the mature bamboo that is on your property, you will need to cut it back or dig it up and apply an herbicide, and the timing of the cutting and herbicide application is critical. This is a multi year process because of the aggressive nature of the plant.

Here are links to two resources that provide in detail the information you need.

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/containing-and-removing-bamboo/

https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/controlling-bamboo-in-landscape-plantings

I hope this was helpful.

If you have any other questions, please call our Garden Line at<personal data hidden>.