Bamboo undoubtedly adds a special touch of beauty to any yard. However, these plants are vigorous growers and there are a few things to consider before planting them.
If you already have one and things are getting out of control, you might be wondering if the plant should stay in your yard.
In this article, I’ll show you how to get rid of bamboo from your garden and also when you should do so.
Let’s get started!
Why Remove Bamboo From Your Garden?
There are certain cases when you must remove bamboo. As mentioned before, these plants are vigorous growers and some varieties are actually considered invasive in the US.
The plant has the ability to take over an area in a short period of time, and the issues won’t stop there. Soil erosion and changes in soil microbial processes are other potential problems you can face if bamboo starts spreading uncontrollably. (1)
The more it grows, the less time you have to remove it. If you have compact bamboo varieties, you can eliminate them easily if they start spreading too much.
However, if running bamboo grows in your garden, you should be careful and start removing it ASAP.
Here’s how to do it!
How To Remove Bamboo
The best way to eradicate this species from your garden is by shutting down its life sources.
The first step is to cut the stalks of these plants down to the base using a mower or saw. Now wait until the new shoots appear above the soil line.
It’s time to attack with one unusual method! You should get yourself a heavy-duty tarp and cover all the areas where your bamboo grows. This is an essential step because, in this way, you prevent the air, food, and water from reaching bamboo rhizomes.
Plants can’t survive without these elements, so this is a great way to start. If you have some compact varieties or the bamboo hedge isn’t too large, you can do some digging. First, wet the area using a hose or sprinkler, and then chop the plants.
After you’ve chopped all the parts above the soil line, loosen the soil and lift the rhizomes.
When it comes to running bamboo species, you’ll need to take additional measures. Many people who struggle with this issue have asked me about the chemicals they can use for bamboo eradication.
Glyphosate-laced herbicide is commonly used for this purpose but there’s one thing to know about this substance. If used incorrectly, this potent ingredient can destroy all other plants in your garden. (2)
If you’ve never used this or similar substances, or if you’re afraid of the consequences, either don’t apply it or hire professionals.
What you can do instead of applying this chemical is dig around the plant to expose rhizomes and then pour boiling water over them.
You can use diluted white vinegar as an alternative; prune the plant down, loosen the soil, and expose the rhizomes. Then, apply white vinegar to the entire root system. If you’re dealing with a lot of bamboo, you’ll most likely need to repeat this process over a couple of years.
Getting rid of bamboo from your outdoor space may be a pretty hard task, especially if you’re dealing with invasive species. But you shouldn’t give up and the sooner you start, the more success you’ll have. Good luck!
References
1. Xu, Q., Liang, C., Chen, J., Li, Y., Qin, H., & Fuhrmann, J. J. (2020). Rapid bamboo invasion (expansion) and its effects on biodiversity and soil processes +. Global Ecology and Conservation
2. Kanissery, R., Gairhe, B., Kadyampakeni, D., Batuman, O., & Alferez, F. (2019). Glyphosate: Its Environmental Persistence and Impact on Crop Health and Nutrition. Plants.