Bamboo

[Rosyrain]

I am shocked that I have not read anyone ask about this hear yet, but how do you get rid of bamboo that is over taking your yard? My mother in law has a bamboo bush that she got a couple of years ago, or maybe it is a tree? Anyway, it seems as though it has polinated all over the yard and she has it sprouting up everywhere. I heard that this plant grows like crazy, but how do you get rid of it?

 

[ThatKidWithTheFace]

Bamboo will take over if you let it. The only way I've found to clear it out well is burning it. It will still grow back, but you can manage it easier.

 

[gata montes]

I am shocked that I have not read anyone ask about this hear yet, but how do you get rid of bamboo that is over taking your yard? My mother in law has a bamboo bush that she got a couple of years ago, or maybe it is a tree? Anyway, it seems as though it has polinated all over the yard and she has it sprouting up everywhere. I heard that this plant grows like crazy, but how do you get rid of it?

Oh my where to start with this one - as there are many, many different types of Bamboo and although some species are less invasive than others - all bamboos grown in a suburban area are best grown with a 2 - 3 ft underground barrier to stop them from spreading - they also need to have the underground rhizomes cut back on a yearly basis in order to keep them in check.

From your description it sounds very much like your mother-in-law has one of the invasive species of bamboo growing in her garden and although once it has started to spread it is notoriously difficult to eradicate - it can be got rid of - but that said it is a long and extremely labor intensive process - due to the fact that what you see growing above the ground is nothing in comparison to what is growing below ground - as all bamboos are interconnected by underground horizontal shoots known as rhizomes and it is those rhizomes that you are going to have to get rid of - either by digging out or continually cutting back or even both.

However as bamboo is a fairly specialized subject as it grows in an entirely different way to other plants and does require some understanding and knowledge of this process in order to know what you are dealing with - rather than try and explain it myself I am including a couple of links which I hope you will find helpful - as not only do they give a very simple explanation to the growing of bamboo but also how to contain it, control it and also how to get rid of it -

http://www.bamboo.org/wp/news/files...asiveness-and-Control-Statement-draft-6-1.pdf

http://www.villagevolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Growing-Controlling-Bamboo1.pdf

I would also just add that whatever anyone says - the only way to get rid of bamboo that has spread is to either cut back or dig out the rhizomes - as burning or using weed killers does not work and also that - as I have myself grown many, many different types of bamboo and for many years too - I am more than happy to help out should you have any further queries

 

[Pat]

All I know is Bamboo can take over your space quickly. You see ads on tv about how self sustaining the plant is and that is the reason more and more wood type products are being made from Bamboo. Hope your relative gets it under control.

 

[Cereus]

Gata Montes is right, bamboo are very much like mushrooms in that everything happens underground. So cutting the stalks won't do much of anything.

This is what a bamboo rhizome looks like. As Gata said, they're pretty well connected. If you want to control it then you're gonna have to get to the 'root of the problem' haha.

 

[ThatKidWithTheFace]

Solid advice Pat and Cereus!

 

[Rosyrain]

The root system of the bamboo looks like a tumor that I saw on TV the other night...sounds like it invades the ground like a cancer too. So you basically have to dig up the entire root system in order to get the bamboo to stop growing? That will be one difficult task as now her neighbors yard (her brother ) has shoots of it everywhere!

 

[Shimus]

I've never had to deal with this problem myself, but I can see cutting to the root is the only answer after that photo up top.

I just have to make a joke, however.

Just get yourself a Panda. They love Bamboo!

 

[jeuxydizzer]

I am shocked that I have not read anyone ask about this hear yet, but how do you get rid of bamboo that is over taking your yard? My mother in law has a bamboo bush that she got a couple of years ago, or maybe it is a tree? Anyway, it seems as though it has polinated all over the yard and she has it sprouting up everywhere. I heard that this plant grows like crazy, but how do you get rid of it?

Deal with it at the root. Bamboo needs to be uprooted completely in order for it to be removed. Be mindful that it is most likely a "clump", similar to grass.

While you're at it, the new, tender bamboo shoots are very edible and can be harvested. Perhaps, instead of fighting the bamboo, you may want to harvest it often and get an extra food source. =) It may very well be a blessing in disguise.

 

[Shimus]

If not, bamboo can be used in a lot of home art-and-crafts to spice up your property or to make a long-lasting piece of art. It's pretty malleable despite how thick and un-bendable it feels. Tenderized shoots can also be left to dry and harden again. Floors and thatch walls used to be made out if as it an easy alternative and it was easy to come by. I liked making birdhouses and window covers with bamboo. It looks pretty when twine-wrapped properly, almost rustic.

And if not, an edible disguise surely. There's some type of use for it. It also makes a good fence if it grows thick enough.