Can you contain bamboo

Bamboo is an evergreen perennial plant which popular because it grows fast and has a nice visual aesthetic. The article below deals with how to properly control invasive running bamboo varieties known for becoming invasive if not confined.

We'll go step by step on properly containing bamboo through the use of high-density Polyethylene bamboo barriers. Although bamboo has a reputation for getting out of control and rightfully so!

Running bamboo can produce root shoots up to 40 feet in just a single season. The running rhizomes are invasive and can easily spread throughout the landscape if not property contained. Clumping bamboo do not need as much control as they are typically self-containing. In more rare circumstances clumping bamboo can spread and when this does happen it can push with a high amount of force. For this reason, if planting clumping bamboo near a important structure or very sensitive area of the landscape, a barrier of mil thickness is strongly recommended.

Due to it's self-containing nature, the threat for invasion is much lower than their running rhizome cousin. Not all types of bamboos can grow out of hand. The clumping rhizome species have short rhizomatous structure, which makes it difficult for them to stretch more than several inches, eventually making discrete clumps.

Running rhizomes grow underground undetected up to 20 feet away from the original planting. If they encounter a surface that they cannot grow through, or around, then they will change course and try a different direction.

Because of this predictable behavior it's crucial to properly place and install a bamboo barrier so that there are no breaches in the barrier wall, and the rhizomes are unable to escape.

If left alone, rhizomes will travel under driveways, sidewalks, patios, house foundations, and even sometimes through the cracks in the concrete floors such as sheds and garages.

The most effective way to keep bamboo plants from spreading is to install a subsurface barrier. To be useful for long term containment, the boundary should be made of HDPE High-density polyethylene and should be installed around the planting area. To ensure that the bamboo rhizomes the part of the bamboo plant that spreads stay contained, it's recommended that the planting area is completely encircled. Additionally, the bamboo barrier should protrude approximately 2" above the ground.

This protrusion allows the gardener to monitor the top edge of the plastic to quickly catch and manually prune any rhizomes that attempt to "jump" the barrier. A bamboo barrier is any product used in bamboo planting to prevent the spread of root rhizomes to protect valuable hardscapes and surrounding properties from damage.

Plastic Bamboo barrier is most common and is available in different lengths and thickness depending on your application. The barrier is usually a diversion type control technique with a smooth surface on the side facing the bamboo planting. Bamboo likes high ambient moisture conditions. Misting foliage will help counteract a dry environment.

Like Indoors. Greater amounts of sunlight can produce greater amounts of foliage. They are inexpensive and will do a good job of stabilizing the health of your plant. Early spring to encourage new growth and then again during the middle of the growing season to replace any nutrients that are being depleted. Containers do not provide the same amount of insulation as the ground. They have a greater tendency to freeze. Larger containers have a higher insulation value than smaller units.

If the bamboo root structure freezes, it cannot properly transfer nutrients and has a higher likelihood of failing. Therefore, proper species and container selection are necessary if the bamboo is to be kept outside in a planter year around. Added protection can be provided by locating the plant in a wind-protected area. Still, if you are worried, there is always the option of sticking to canned bamboo roots. Bamboo is a perfectly safe plant to have around pets! Bamboo shoots are rich in fiber, proteins, vitamins, and essential minerals, as well as helps in improving the flavor of your delicious cuisines.

You can use bamboo in a variety of ways while preparing your meals! Here are some of the most popular :. Bamboos are also used in making varieties of piping hot soups. Using sliced bamboo shoots with chicken, mushrooms, and coconut milk is an absolute must-try! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Generally, bamboo barriers come in five different sizes ranging from 18 to inches in depth and different thicknesses ranging from 30 to 80 mil. The 40 and 60 mil thicknesses are good for the average gardener's needs, for creating a privacy wall or for their overall beauty.

The 80 mil thickness is ideal for situations where large bamboo plants threaten expensive hardscapes, home foundations or in commercial settings where the absolute thickest material available is necessary. The correct depth will depend on the type of bamboo you will be planting. Before purchasing bamboo, talk with knowledgeable people who are familiar with the different varieties and the climates they are best suited for.

There are many varieties to choose from and have different depths of growth. If you already have bamboo, these same people can help advise you on the correct barrier thickness to contain and control their growth. If you are not handy at installing a barrier, hire a professional to do it for you.

Once all is said and done, enjoy your bamboo, they truly are beautiful plants! Search site:. Bamboo Barrier Dependable containment for bamboo plantings protects valuable hardscapes and neighboring properties from damage. Medium-Duty For medium duty Bamboo Applications.

Heavy-Duty Recommended for Most Applications Provides dependable containment for the vast majority of bamboo applications. Ultra Heavy-Duty For ultra-heavy-duty bamboo containment applications.

Extreme-Duty mil barrier is the thickest barrier available and is trusted on projects where bamboo overgrowth could result in significant property damage if not properly contained. Containing Your Bamboo: Trimming the constantly growing roots or rhizomes is of the greatest importance for controlling the growth of these beautiful plants. The Barrier: A more effective alternative is to build a barrier for controlling the roots of this very fast developing plant.