{"id":13244,"date":"2022-10-16T02:37:13","date_gmt":"2022-10-16T02:37:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=13244"},"modified":"2024-02-21T16:28:57","modified_gmt":"2024-02-21T16:28:57","slug":"how-to-get-rid-of-bamboo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-bamboo\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Rid of Bamboo"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bamboo is a highly versatile plant used for food (ask the pandas), construction materials, and living fences. However, bamboo spreads aggressively and grows quickly, becoming problematic for many gardeners. Discover how to get rid of bamboo with our comprehensive guide.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-95a8511f-7e38-4876-bfa9-215105a0be01\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article, you\u2019ll find:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-bamboo\/#0-what-is-bamboo\" style=\"\">What is bamboo?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-bamboo\/#3-how-to-get-rid-of-bamboo\" style=\"\">How to get rid of bamboo<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-bamboo\/#8-bamboo-control-methods\" style=\"\">Bamboo control methods<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-bamboo\/#12-faq-how-to-get-rid-of-bamboo\" style=\"\">FAQ how to get rid of bamboo<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-bamboo\/#16-bamboozled\" style=\"\">Bamboozled<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-what-is-bamboo\"><span id=\"what-is-bamboo\">What is bamboo?<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-brian-60877.jpg\" alt=\"Running Bamboo\" class=\"wp-image-13248\" style=\"width:800px;height:550px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-brian-60877.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-brian-60877-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-brian-60877-768x528.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-brian-60877-610x419.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/bunch-of-green-and-brown-bamboos-60877\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bamboo is a fast-growing perennial and a member of the grass family. <\/strong>It produces tall, slender stems joined at a base and is native to many parts of the works. Depending on the type of bamboo, it can be an <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umd.edu\/resource\/introduction-invasive-plants-maryland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">invasive species<\/a>. However, the good news is cultivars like <strong>clumping bamboo <\/strong>are easier to control.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-running-bamboo\"><span id=\"running-bamboo\">Running bamboo<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Running bamboo is an invasive plant. It spreads horizontally through underground stems known as rhizomes, shooting up new canes, also known as culms. Running bamboo often requires routine maintenance or root barriers to prevent it from encroaching on unwanted areas like your neighbor\u2019s yard.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-clumping-bamboo\"><span id=\"clumping-bamboo\">Clumping bamboo<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clumping bamboo has a more compact growth habit. The underground rhizomes grow upright, closely together from a central origin at ground level<strong>.<\/strong> Clumping bamboo is non-invasive and easier to remove. However, it still requires thinning and routine maintenance to maintain its appearance and regrowth.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-how-to-get-rid-of-bamboo\"><span id=\"how-to-get-rid-of-bamboo\">How to get rid of bamboo<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_tree-forest-branch-wood-sunlight-leaf-213803-pxherecom.jpg\" alt=\"Clumping bamboo\" class=\"wp-image-13249\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_tree-forest-branch-wood-sunlight-leaf-213803-pxherecom.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_tree-forest-branch-wood-sunlight-leaf-213803-pxherecom-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_tree-forest-branch-wood-sunlight-leaf-213803-pxherecom-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_tree-forest-branch-wood-sunlight-leaf-213803-pxherecom-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pxhere.com\/en\/photo\/213803\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pxhere<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are several ways to remove the invasive plant, depending on the species of bamboo. <strong>Bamboo eradication can take several years<\/strong>, and there\u2019s no magic wand you can wave to make your yard bamboo-free instantly.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-removing-bamboo-with-herbicides\"><span id=\"removing-bamboo-with-herbicides\">Removing bamboo with herbicides<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Non-selective <a href=\"https:\/\/edis.ifas.ufl.edu\/publication\/AG266\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">herbicides with glyphosate<\/a> kill any plant they come into contact with. They are not the most environmental option and will kill native plants and harm beneficial pollinators like pesticides.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cut back new shoots and canes to ground level. Apply a weed killer, like RoundUp, to the cut stumps\u2013the herbicide will travel through the stump to kill the roots. Herbicides are not the fastest option available and can take<strong> two or three years<\/strong> to kill the bamboo.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-manual-removal\"><span id=\"manual-removal\">Manual removal<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manual bamboo removal is effective but labor-intensive. This method requires removing the root ball to eliminate the plant. Remove the stalks with a handsaw before digging.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next, wet the soil and use a shovel to dig around the base of the bamboo. Once you hit the rhizomes, start pulling the plant out. Be sure to remove all rhizomes. If you miss one, the plant will grow back.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-mowing\"><span id=\"mowing\">Mowing<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since bamboo is a grass, it can tolerate occasional mowing. However, it does not tolerate <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-mowing-tips-how-to-mow-your-lawn\/\">frequent mowing<\/a><strong>, <\/strong>and<strong> <\/strong>after two to three years of regular mowing, the bamboo will run out of resources and die.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you mow, cut the bamboo to ground level with a chainsaw or lopper. Mow new bamboo growth on the lowest lawnmower setting. Continue to mow down regrowth regularly.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-boiling-water\"><span id=\"boiling-water\">Boiling water<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Boiling water is one of the easiest DIY bamboo removal methods. Cut back the stalks then simply dig to expose the roots. Pour boiling water over the root area. Continue this method with new growth.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-bamboo-control-methods\"><span id=\"bamboo-control-methods\">Bamboo control methods<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bamboo containment is a great way to stop bamboo from spreading in your yard while still enjoying the privacy and serenity it offers.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-install-a-rhizome-barrier\"><span id=\"install-a-rhizome-barrier\">Install a rhizome barrier<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_bamboo_barrier.jpg\" alt=\"Bamboo barrier\" class=\"wp-image-13247\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_bamboo_barrier.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_bamboo_barrier-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_bamboo_barrier-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_bamboo_barrier-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_bamboo_barrier-610x458.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:20200704_Bamboo_barrier.jpg#\/media\/File:20200704_Bamboo_barrier.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">RCraig09<\/a>&nbsp;| Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rhizome barriers keep rhizomes and bamboo roots from spreading. They comprise concrete, metal, or plastic.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dig a trench around the bamboo plant (2 inches deeper than the roots), install the barrier, and refill the trench.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> Experts recommend high-density polyethylene plastic because of its durability.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-use-a-container\"><span id=\"use-a-container\">Use a container<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"376\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_densityeffectsonmaize.jpg\" alt=\"Bamboo in a Pot\" class=\"wp-image-13246\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_densityeffectsonmaize.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_densityeffectsonmaize-300x141.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_densityeffectsonmaize-768x361.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_densityeffectsonmaize-610x287.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:DensityEffectsonMaize.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Katsjandra<\/a>&nbsp;| Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Planting bamboo in a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-start-container-garden\/\">container garden<\/a> is one of the easiest ways to keep the grass in check. Since the pot holds the whole root system, the bamboo can\u2019t spread.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When choosing a pot, the bigger the better, but ten gallons or more is recommended.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-sever-the-rhizomes\"><span id=\"sever-the-rhizomes\">Sever the rhizomes<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take a shovel and dig a barrier around the bamboo\u2019s rhizomes, signifying where they should stop growing. Keep dressing your shovel into the ground, creating a perimeter around the base. Sever all of the rhizomes a few times a year to keep the bamboo from spreading.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-faq-how-to-get-rid-of-bamboo\"><span id=\"faq-how-to-get-rid-of-bamboo\">FAQ how to get rid of bamboo<\/span><\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13-can-i-kill-bamboo-with-diesel-or-gasoline\"><span id=\"can-i-kill-bamboo-with-diesel-or-gasoline\">Can I kill bamboo with diesel or gasoline?<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Harsh chemicals like diesel and gasoline can kill bamboo, but this method is <strong>NOT recommended<\/strong>. Herbicides are a safer way to eradicate bamboo.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are looking for an organic solution, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-does-vinegar-kill-weeds\/\">try vinegar<\/a> or boiling water. Vinegar is not as effective as herbicides but is a much safer option than gasoline if you are patient and consistent with your applications.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14-when-is-the-best-season-to-kill-bamboo-plants\"><span id=\"when-is-the-best-season-to-kill-bamboo-plants\">When is the best season to kill bamboo plants?<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">New culms grow between March and May, making spring the best time to kill bamboo.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"15-how-much-does-professional-bamboo-removal-cost\"><span id=\"how-much-does-professional-bamboo-removal-cost\">How much does professional bamboo removal cost?<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It depends on where you live and how much bamboo you need to remove, but on average, homeowners pay between <strong>$425 to $1,850<\/strong> for bamboo removal.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"16-bamboozled\"><span id=\"bamboozled\">Bamboozled<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contacting a landscaping professional is the most effective way to remove overgrown bamboo. It will save you time and money in the long run, especially if you haven\u2019t removed bamboo before. Let Lawn Love connect you with a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/near-me\">local landscaping company<\/a>. They can take care of your invasive grass and your routine lawn care.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/juVccM81b_E\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Unsplash<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bamboo is a highly versatile plant used for food (ask the pandas), construction materials, and living fences. However, bamboo spreads [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":78,"featured_media":13245,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[298],"tags":[518],"class_list":["post-13244","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping-tips"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_clement-souchet-juvccm81b_e-unsplash.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Stuart Kushner","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/stuart-kushner\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13244","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/78"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13244"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13244\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13245"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13244"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13244"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13244"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}