Things to Know about Bamboo
This post is on things to know about bamboo when you have it, or are considering planting it.
I recommend planning ahead if you want to plant bamboo on your land. Here's why.
Spreading black and golden bamboo needs underground barriers to contain the root system. This Phyllostachys variety acts like a heat seeking missile that moves underground horizontally, often toward water. It is well known for destroying ponds, pools, and hard-scapes.
To avoid these problems, consider the Fargesia clumping varieties. They are hardy in temperate climates down to 20 degrees below zero, making them an ideal choice when this applies to your unique climate. This variety grows upwards quickly and will also spread, just not with the same intensity of the Phyllostachys varieties.
If you already have bamboo getting into areas you don't want it, here are some solutions to consider.
-- Stop watering where you don't want it growing. This will help slow it down.
-- Deeply dig out the shoots as they come up, and cut it back.
-- Dig out a trench around the bamboo patch you want to tame, and install bamboo barrier. This will help contain the roots system.
For more info on Bamboo Rhizome Barrier click the link below: https://www.rhizomebarrier.com/
-- Work with a landscape contractor specializing in hard-scapes with experience installing underground barriers to keep your bamboo contained where you want it. If they have experience doing design and installation working with bamboo, then they should be able to set things up so the bamboo can't penetrate your hard-scapes, pool, or pond areas.
I specialize in consulting, layout, and providing excellent craftsmanship and service based organic gardening and land stewardship projects.
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