I would like to put a row of bamboo in along my property line as a visual screen. I really like the look of bamboo, however I have been told that it is very invasive, and will grow through building walls as well as concrete. Does any one out there have any tips on restricting bamboo growth so it doesnt destroy my driveway or the neighbors house?
Thanks.

 

Step away from the bamboo with your hands up. Seriously though, I have some that I have been fighting since I moved into my house in 1983 from next door. There is supposed to be a non invasive variety out there. Check with your local garden center.

 

Hi Jaseweil,

I used Google and typed in noninvase bamboo. Here are some suppliers for you to check -

http://www.citygardening.net/otherplants/

I recently saw a show where someone was growing black bamboo. It was very pretty. He was moving, and it was one of the plants he was taking with him, so it must not be too invasive. I've also seen where they make trellises, arbors, fences, etc., out of it. It would be worth growing for the free "wood".

Would you mind letting me know what you decide on? Thanks.

(Gary - LOL!)

Gami

 

On an HGTV show last year, the landscaper but some kind of plastic barrier into the ground around the bed. It was something like 3-4 feet wide and went from the surface down. Sorry, I don't have more info.

The plastic was thick, not plastic sheathing.

 

Thanks for the link to the bamboo distributors. There is lots of good information there. It will take me some time to sift through all the information to see which bamboo will work best for me. Also, in response to the plastic liner, from what Ive heard, bamboo goes through concrete foundations, it seems that it should be able to go through plastic. What about galvanized metal troughs with welded seams, does anyone have any experience with putting bamboo into these?

 

Concrete is actually porous. Look at all the problems people have with wet basements, moisture seeping thought the concrete foundations. There are many vines that attach themselves to concrete. Plants send very tiny shoots into the pores of concrete. Over time this can break up the concrete.

The plastic barrier doesn't have these minute pores for a plant to invade.

 

If you get intrusion, just paint the growths with Round-up concentrate (at least 10% active or better). This is one of the best ways I found to get rid of the "feelers" permanently.

 

I have several of non invasive bamboo. I love it all. If they start to get out of bounds you can stomp them down when they sprout or mow them over. Either way, they are manageable.

My friend uses the plastic border method for his invasive varieties (timber bamboo, palm bamboo, and a lovely blue variety). This works too.

 

This is just what I've heard, having no direct experience, but I too, love the look (and the density of the stands!) of bamboo. I've heard that there is something that looks a great deal like bamboo, but isn't and is extremely invasive. River cane? Sorry, don't know anymore. I do know that there are two types of bamboo, "clumping" and "running." We have an acquaintance whose uncle raises the stuff at The Bamboo Gardens and the nephew says that the stuff only "runs" in the spring. He says that you only have to go out and knock the culms over at that time and that's all there is to it. We have a very small stand that put out 3 culms last year, I'll have to wait and see what it's going to do this year.

Here's another link you might want to explore: The American Bamboo Society. It should give you any information you need "straight from the horse's mouth," as it were.