Is fresh cut bamboo safe to use in your garden? - Ask Extension
Hello! I was wondering if you could help me answer a question. A friend unfortunately has a yard inundated with bamboo. It’s very tall, 20’ in som...
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Is fresh cut bamboo safe to use in your garden? #928927
Asked April 20, 2026, 10:22 AM EDT
Hello! I was wondering if you could help me answer a question. A friend unfortunately has a yard inundated with bamboo. It’s very tall, 20’ in some cases. I am an avid gardener. If I have cut some canes above ground level, without getting the rhizomes, can I use them for garden trellising fresh or is there a danger of them rooting? I absolutely do not want it on my property having seen what she is dealing with in her yard. I asked on 3 different garden groups and had about 50 responses and only 2 people said it could root.
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi,
No, it will not root. Bamboo is a grass, and grasses cannot root from top growth cuttings. They need roots attached. It is fine to use as trellis supports. It should quickly dry anyway and not be green. You could let it dry first, but it is not necessary. Eventually, the ends stuck in the soil will probably rot due to moisture.
The "lucky bamboo" that you see in many home improvement stores, which is rooted in water, is actually a type of Dracena.
Emily
Thank you, this is wonderful news!!!
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Subject: Re: Is fresh cut bamboo safe to use in your garden? (#0198842)
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