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3 steps to stop bamboo from running wild.
Bamboo can be a beautiful plant. But left uncontrolled, it can become an invasive problem. Even though the hollow grass only produces seeds every 7–12 years, its rhizomes spread far and wide. These tough, underground stems can even withstand some herbicides and most environmental elements. So, when it comes to dealing with bamboo, sometimes you need to be aggressive.
Clumping bamboo varieties are the good guys. This type of bamboo grows outward from its center and typically stays in one spot.
Running bamboo is what you need to watch out for. This type spreads via underground stems, called rhizomes, to quickly multiply throughout your landscape. Since all the shoots are connected underground as one plant, it can be very difficult to remove.
If you keep bamboo in your landscaping, remember that it can take over your yard and is extremely hard to remove. Fortunately, a simple barrier is all it takes to prevent it from spreading. Just push 20-inch pressure-treated wood boards into the ground around your plant, with about 2 inches protruding from the ground. Then, remove any rhizomes that start to grow outside the barrier.
If you're thinking about adding bamboo to your outdoor space, always purchase clumping varieties of bamboo. Many cities ban non-clumping types, so be sure to check with yours before proceeding.