The Ultimate Guide to Killing Bamboo: Safe, Effective, and Permanent Removal

Bamboo, with its graceful stalks and lush foliage, can be a beautiful addition to a garden. However, certain species, particularly running bamboo, can quickly become invasive, spreading aggressively and taking over your yard, and even your neighbor’s property. Controlling and eliminating unwanted bamboo requires a strategic approach, patience, and often, a combination of methods. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various techniques, providing detailed steps and instructions to help you reclaim your landscape. Whether you’re dealing with a small patch or an extensive infestation, we’ve got you covered.

Understanding the Enemy: Running vs. Clumping Bamboo

Before you start your bamboo eradication mission, it’s crucial to understand the type of bamboo you’re dealing with. There are two primary categories: running and clumping bamboo.

• Running Bamboo (Sympodial): This type of bamboo is notorious for its aggressive spreading. It sends out underground rhizomes (horizontal, stem-like roots) that can travel several feet away from the parent plant, sprouting new shoots seemingly out of nowhere. Running bamboo is the primary culprit in most invasive bamboo situations, making it the focus of this guide. Common examples include Phyllostachys species.
• Clumping Bamboo (Monopodial): Clumping bamboo has a much more restrained growth pattern. Its rhizomes grow outward only a short distance from the base of the plant, forming a dense clump. While still capable of expanding, clumping bamboo is significantly easier to control. Common examples include Bambusa species.

Knowing whether you have running or clumping bamboo will significantly impact your chosen method for removal. If you’re unsure, consulting a local gardening expert can provide clarity.

Methods for Killing Bamboo: A Comprehensive Overview

There’s no single magic bullet for killing bamboo, particularly the tenacious running variety. It often requires a combination of approaches over time. Here’s an in-depth look at the most effective methods:

1. Mechanical Removal: The Direct Approach

Mechanical removal involves physically digging out the bamboo and its rhizomes. This is a labor-intensive process but can be very effective, especially for smaller infestations. Here’s how to tackle it:

Step-by-Step Guide to Mechanical Removal:

1. Preparation:
   • Timing is Key: The best time for mechanical removal is during the early spring or late fall when the bamboo is not actively growing. This will put less stress on the plants and make removal easier.
   • Gather Your Tools: You’ll need sturdy gloves, a shovel, a pickaxe, a pruning saw or loppers, and possibly a mattock or grub hoe for tougher rhizomes. A wheelbarrow or tarp to haul away debris is also essential.
   • Clear the Area: Remove any surface debris like leaves, branches, and dead stalks to access the base of the bamboo plants.
2. Cut the Stalks:
   • Use pruning saw or loppers to cut down the bamboo stalks as close to the ground as possible. You can leave a few inches of the stalk sticking up to serve as a visual marker, but avoid leaving too much as they can still sprout new growth.
   • Remove the cut stalks and dispose of them properly (check local regulations regarding disposal of invasive plants).
3. Dig Out the Rhizomes:
   • This is the most challenging part. Begin by digging around the base of the bamboo clump, exposing the underground rhizomes.
   • Carefully dig along the rhizomes, severing them with your shovel, pickaxe, or mattock. Be sure to excavate a wide area around the original plant, as rhizomes may extend further than you think.
   • Rhizomes are usually fairly shallow, generally within the top 12-24 inches of soil, but may go deeper in established clumps.
   • Be thorough and persistent. Even a small piece of rhizome left in the soil can sprout a new shoot.
   • Remove each piece of rhizome as you dig, placing it in a wheelbarrow or on a tarp for disposal.
   • If you encounter particularly tough or large rhizomes, you may need to use a pruning saw to cut through them.
4. Screening and Ongoing Monitoring:
   • After removing the visible rhizomes, you may want to sift through the soil to make sure that no small pieces are left behind. A soil sifter can be helpful here.
   • Monitor the area closely for new shoots over the next several weeks and months. Any new sprouts should be dug up immediately.
   • Consider placing a rhizome barrier in the soil to prevent any future spread. More on barriers is discussed later.

Advantages of Mechanical Removal:

• Environmentally Friendly: No chemicals are used, making it safe for your family, pets, and the surrounding environment.
• Effective for Small Infestations: Can be very successful for removing small patches of bamboo or where chemical treatments are not feasible.

Disadvantages of Mechanical Removal:

• Labor Intensive: Requires a significant amount of physical effort and can take several days, depending on the size of the bamboo patch.
• Can Be Difficult: Removing large, dense root systems and finding all the rhizomes can be difficult and time-consuming.
• Not Always Feasible: May not be practical for large or heavily established infestations.

2. Chemical Control: Using Herbicides

When mechanical removal isn’t practical, herbicides can be a more efficient way to kill bamboo. However, it’s essential to use herbicides carefully and follow all label instructions precisely. Here’s how to approach chemical control:

Choosing the Right Herbicide:

For bamboo, herbicides containing the active ingredient glyphosate or imazapyr are generally the most effective.

• Glyphosate (e.g., Roundup): A non-selective systemic herbicide that kills most plants it comes into contact with. It works by traveling through the plant’s vascular system, disrupting its ability to produce essential proteins. It is often effective for bamboo when applied to freshly cut canes, but may require multiple applications. Choose a product that is labeled for brush control to ensure optimal efficacy.
• Imazapyr (e.g., Arsenal or Habitat): A more potent herbicide effective for controlling woody plants and tough rhizomes. It is also systemic, but it can persist in the soil for some time. It is particularly effective for killing established bamboo but should be used with caution as it can affect nearby plants. Imazapyr is often preferred over glyphosate for mature bamboo infestations due to its extended duration of effectiveness.

Important Notes:

• Non-Selective Herbicides: Remember that both glyphosate and imazapyr are non-selective, meaning they will kill any plant they come into contact with. Be extremely careful to apply it only to the bamboo you want to eliminate and avoid drift that may affect other plants.
• Read Labels Carefully: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the herbicide label, including the recommended mixing ratios, application methods, and safety precautions.
• Local Regulations: Be aware of any local restrictions on herbicide use and disposal.

Application Methods for Herbicides:

1. Foliar Spray:
   • This is best used for young, actively growing bamboo.
   • Mix the herbicide according to the product label’s instructions.
   • Use a spray bottle or backpack sprayer to apply the herbicide directly to the leaves, ensuring complete coverage.
   • Avoid spraying on windy days to prevent drift.
   • Reapplication may be necessary if new shoots appear.
2. Cut-Stump Treatment:
   • This method is more effective on larger, established bamboo.
   • Cut the bamboo stalks down as close to the ground as possible.
   • Immediately apply the undiluted herbicide to the freshly cut stump using a paintbrush, spray bottle, or sponge.
   • The herbicide will be absorbed into the plant’s root system.
   • This method is more targeted and minimizes the risk of harming surrounding plants.
3. Soil Application (For Imazapyr):
   • Imazapyr can be applied directly to the soil around the base of the bamboo. This is particularly useful for targeting the rhizomes.
   • Mix the herbicide according to the product label’s instructions and apply evenly to the soil.
   • Be very careful when using this method as imazapyr can persist in the soil for an extended duration.

Advantages of Chemical Control:

• Effective on Large Infestations: Chemical control is a viable solution for extensive bamboo patches where mechanical removal is too challenging.
• Relatively Less Labor-Intensive: Reduces the physical exertion required compared to mechanical removal.

Disadvantages of Chemical Control:

• Environmental Impact: Herbicides can potentially harm other plants, wildlife, and beneficial insects if used improperly or excessively.
• Safety Concerns: Requires careful handling to avoid skin and eye contact, inhalation, or accidental ingestion.
• May Require Multiple Applications: Bamboo is a resilient plant, and multiple herbicide applications may be necessary for complete eradication.
• Potential Soil Contamination: Certain herbicides, like imazapyr, can persist in the soil.

3. Rhizome Barriers: Preventing Spread

While not a method for directly killing existing bamboo, installing rhizome barriers is a crucial step in preventing future spread and protecting areas you don’t want bamboo to invade. These barriers act as physical impediments, redirecting the rhizomes and keeping them within the desired zone. Barriers should ideally be combined with other removal methods.

Types of Rhizome Barriers:

• High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Barriers: These are the most commonly used barriers and are effective for containing bamboo rhizomes. They are flexible, durable, and resistant to degradation. They come in different thicknesses, and it’s recommended to choose a minimum thickness of 60-80 mil (approximately 1.5-2.0 mm) for running bamboo.
• Concrete Barriers: Concrete barriers are very durable and offer robust containment but are more difficult and costly to install. They are best suited for larger projects where permanence is required.
• Metal Barriers: While metal barriers can work, they are prone to rusting and corrosion, making them less suitable for long-term containment.

Installation of Rhizome Barriers:

1. Dig a Trench: Dig a trench around the perimeter of the bamboo area that you want to contain. The trench should be at least 24-30 inches deep for most running bamboo species, and ideally a few inches wider than the width of the barrier.
2. Position the Barrier: Place the rhizome barrier in the trench, ensuring it is at least two inches above the ground to make it visible and prevent rhizomes from growing over it.
3. Overlap the Ends: Overlap the ends of the barrier by at least two feet and seal them with strong tape or bolts to prevent rhizomes from finding a gap to grow through.
4. Backfill the Trench: Backfill the trench, compacting the soil around the barrier to stabilize it.
5. Monitor and Maintain: Regularly check the barrier for any signs of rhizome escaping over the top or through seams, and promptly address any breaches.

Advantages of Rhizome Barriers:

• Prevent Future Spread: Effectively contains running bamboo and prevents it from invading other areas.
• Long-Term Control: When properly installed, rhizome barriers can provide a long-term solution for preventing bamboo spread.

Disadvantages of Rhizome Barriers:

• Initial Investment: Installation of rhizome barriers can be time-consuming and costly.
• May Require Maintenance: Barriers require ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure continued effectiveness.
• Doesn’t Kill Existing Bamboo: Barriers only prevent spread and don’t kill existing bamboo.

4. Regular Cutting & Mowing: Sustained Effort

Consistent cutting and mowing of bamboo shoots can weaken the plant over time, eventually depleting its energy reserves. This method is not as efficient as other methods for complete eradication but can help to manage bamboo growth and is often used as a supplemental strategy. This is more effective when combined with other removal methods.

How to Regularly Cut/Mow Bamboo

1. Mow or Cut Emerging Shoots: As soon as you see new shoots coming up, mow them or cut them as close to the ground as possible.
2. Repeat Regularly: Repeat this process frequently, ideally every week or every other week, during the growing season. This will deplete the plant’s energy and prevent it from developing mature stalks.
3. Combine with other methods: Regular cutting or mowing is more effective when combined with digging out rhizomes or applying herbicides.

Advantages of Regular Cutting/Mowing:

• Simple Approach: A simple method that anyone can do with basic tools, no specialized skills or knowledge are needed.
• Cost Effective: Requires only a lawnmower or basic cutting tools, making it an inexpensive control method.
• Helpful as Supplementary Method: Effective as a way to slow down bamboo growth and to help monitor rhizome spread and new growth

Disadvantages of Regular Cutting/Mowing:

• Time Consuming: Regular cutting/mowing will require a frequent and consistent effort.
• Not a Standalone Solution: Cutting and mowing, by itself, is usually not enough to permanently eradicate bamboo.
• Needs Constant Monitoring: You will need to remain vigilant and make sure to cut emerging shoots as they pop up.

5. The Salt Method: A Controversial Approach

While some people advocate the use of salt to kill bamboo, it’s important to understand that this method is controversial and can have detrimental effects on the soil and surrounding environment. Salt can contaminate soil, making it unsuitable for most plants, and it can also pollute groundwater. It’s generally recommended to avoid this method due to its potential negative impacts. If you do choose to use it, proceed with extreme caution.

How to Use Salt (Proceed with Caution):

1. Cut the Bamboo: Cut the bamboo stalks down as close to the ground as possible.
2. Drill Holes: Drill several holes into the remaining stumps.
3. Fill with Salt: Pour salt into the holes and saturate the surrounding soil with salt water.
4. Monitor: Watch for any signs of new growth. It will likely need several applications over time.

Advantages of Using Salt:

• Potentially Effective: Salt can dehydrate and damage plants, potentially killing them.

Disadvantages of Using Salt:

• Soil Contamination: Salt can make the soil infertile and unsuitable for other plants for a long period of time.
• Groundwater Pollution: Salt can leach into groundwater, causing contamination issues.
• Environmental Damage: The use of salt can negatively affect surrounding vegetation, soil organisms, and water sources.

Note: Due to the significant environmental concerns, it is strongly recommended to avoid using salt as a primary method for bamboo control.

Long-Term Management and Maintenance

Killing bamboo is not a one-time task. It requires ongoing vigilance and persistence. After implementing any of the above methods, continue to monitor the area for any new growth. New sprouts should be removed as soon as they appear to prevent the bamboo from reestablishing itself. Regular inspections and quick action are crucial for long-term control.

Conclusion

Removing bamboo, especially the running variety, can be challenging. By understanding the different types of bamboo and implementing a combination of methods, you can effectively manage and eliminate unwanted bamboo growth. Whether you opt for mechanical removal, chemical control, or a combination of both, consistency and persistence are essential for success. Remember to always follow safety guidelines and consider the environmental impact of your chosen method. With careful planning and diligent effort, you can reclaim your landscape and enjoy a bamboo-free space.