Here are some ways on how to kill bamboo

Bamboo’s  hard to get rid of once it takes over your yard or garden. This sturdy grass spreads rapidly through underground rhizomes and can quickly become invasive bamboo.

If you need to remove invasive bamboo, it’ll take some persistence and elbow grease. But it’s possible to kill bamboo for good. Read below to learn how to get rid of bamboo:

Here are some ways on how to kill bamboo

The most effective way to kill bamboo is with herbicides

Herbicides are an effective bamboo killer, they can fully kill bamboo roots and rhizomes. Systemic herbicides like glyphosate are absorbed by the plant and translocate through its vascular system, killing the entire plant including the roots.

Here are the steps to use herbicides on bamboo:

• Select a glyphosate-based product.

• Cut bamboo stems close to the base and immediately apply herbicide directly onto the cut stump. This is for maximum herbicide absorption.

• Use a paint brush or spray bottle to liberally coat the stump. You may need to repeat this step a few timers.

• Foliar spraying (applying spray to the leaves) bamboo leaves can also be effective. Apply on a dry, calm day (it may be washed away on a rainy day).

• Now you patient. It can take 4-6 weeks for herbicides to fully move down to the plant’s roots.

• Expect to do multiple treatments over several months for complete eradication. This is because the extensive underground rhizome network is difficult to eliminate in one treatment.

When using any herbicide, carefully follow all label instructions for application rates and personal safety precautions. Use our guide on how to cut bamboo safely. 

Digging up roots

Physically digging up bamboo roots and rhizomes is very labor intensive but can successfully remove bamboo if done thoroughly. You’ll need heavy equipment and persistence.

Here are the steps if you want to dig up the bamboo i your garden:

• Use a shovel, pickaxe, or backhoe to dig down around the bamboo clump. You’ll need to dig at least 2-3 feet deep to remove the root mass.

• Trace lateral rhizome growth by following the plant stems. Remove any rhizomes extending past the main clump.

• Sift through the soil to remove every piece of rhizome and root material. Even small remnants can re-sprout.

• Plan to dig a wide perimeter, at least several feet beyond the visible clump because rhizomes extend much further underground than the culms above ground suggest.

• Shake and clean off soil from rhizomes to ensure no nodes remain that could re-root.

• Backfill the hole with clean soil once rhizome removal is complete.

Make sure you continue monitoring the dug up area for any regrowth.

Mowing

You should be aware that repeated mowing won’t immediately kill bamboo but it’ll help weaken and control an overgrown patch. 

Steps to take for mowing bamboo:

• Cut bamboo culms as close to the ground as possible to stop regrowth. Then repeat every 1-2 months.

• The optimal time to mow will be as the shoots reach 2-3 feet tall.  

• Continue mowing throughout the growing season to deprive rhizomes of energy and reduce spread.

• Combining mowing with the use of herbicide on cut stumps will be more effective than doing either by itself. 

Pour boiling water

Pouring boiling water directly onto bamboo foliage or root zones can damage the plant. Although it’s not as effective as herbicides, it offers a more natural treatment option. Take safety precautions when using boiling water.

To apply boiling water:

• Apply boiling water directly to bamboo leaves.

• Pour slowly at the base of plants to seep into root zones. (be careful of splashing)

• For larger patches, consider renting a weed steamer that shoots boiling water under pressure.

• Repeat the process for new shoots that emerge to maintain control. It likely won’t eliminate all rhizomes.

• Combining with mowing and herbicides to boost the effectiveness.

Boiling water is safe for ornamental plantings and organic gardens when applied cautiously. It may become a tedious long-term task for large bamboo stands.

Understand whether you have clumping or running bamboo

When dealing with bamboo, it’s important to know whether you have clumping bamboo or running bamboo. This will help determine how invasive the plant will become.

Clumping bamboo spreads via rhizomes and expands slowly and typically won’t take over a large area.

Running bamboo spreads quickly in all directions underground as rhizomes extend away from the main plant. It takes over whatever space is available and is quite difficult to contain.

Both running and clumping bamboo can be considered invasive in the sense that they aggressively take over garden space. But running bamboo is the more aggressive invasive type of bamboo. 

Knowing which type you have will allow you to prepare better when it comes to removing it. 

Why and when should you remove bamboo?

If bamboo is taking over your yard or garden, removal may become necessary. Here are some reasons and times to remove bamboo:

• It’s spreading out of control into unwanted areas, including under fences or into natural areas.

• The bamboo grove has become too large and dense within your landscape.

• If you need the space for other uses or access the area.

• Late summer/early fall is the best time as rhizomes are low on energy reserves.

• Spring removal can cause rapid regrowth from unaffected rhizomes with more energy.

• Removing bamboo around plantings gives other plants a chance to establish.

Take time to plan the removal in stages when dealing with large amounts of bamboo. Be prepared for ongoing maintenance to control any regrowth.

How to control bamboo

Why not make sure you never get to the point where your bamboo becomes invasive by containing and controlling bamboo from the beginning. Here are some methods to do this:

Rhizome barriers

Installing a barrier around the bamboo perimeter can contain its underground growth. Use tough materials like:

• Durable plastic sheeting or pond liner buried at least 30 inches deep
• Concrete or plastic retaining walls sunk deep into the ground
• Steel rhizome barrier systems

Make sure you monitor the edges for any shoots emerging beyond the barrier.

Plant in pots

Growing bamboo in above-ground pots keeps rhizomes contained. Use thick, durable containers like:

• Concrete pots
• Wood boxes lined with pond liner or metal
• High walled raised beds with barrier material underneath

As always, keep an eye on these pots to make sure they do not start growing beyond the pots.

Be careful when removing bamboo

We urge you to be careful as bamboo removal carries some risks so:

• Wear protective clothing, gloves and goggles to avoid scratches from sharp bamboo.

• Carefully dispose of removed plant material. Don’t dump rhizomes where they could take root.

• Use caution when applying herbicides to avoid environmental contamination.

• Make sure you avoid underground utilities, pipes or wires when digging.

The key is to be patient and diligent in your efforts.