Note: You must adhere to Chapter 118 of the Fairfax County Code, the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance when removing vegetation. To determine if your property is located within the RPA, please refer to the Chesapeake Bay Map on Fairfax County’s Digital Map Viewer. For more information regarding the RPA, including frequently asked questions, forms and contact information, please visit Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance website. For additional assistance, please contact Land Development Services (LDS) Site Development and Inspection Division at 703-324-1720, TTY 711, or via email at LDSSiteQuery@fairfaxcounty.gov.
For more information about bamboo and Land Disturbance, Resource Protection or Easements, please visit: Running Bamboo website.
Digging Bamboo
Bamboo is a tough grass species with rapidly growing rhizomes that grow above ground and as deep at three feet underground, parallel to the surface. The rhizomes and roots require complete removal. Rhizomes left behind will most likely resprout. Trenching to install a root barrier may be an option. The root barrier should be 36” in height, with approximately 30” below ground, and 6” above ground.
Mowing Bamboo
Mowing may reduce growth and eventually kill the plant. If bamboo reaches an area where it can grow without being controlled, it will continue to spread from that location. Mowing bamboo could take more than two years of frequent mowing before seeing impacts to the plant.
Chemical Treatments
NOTE: Various herbicides are available to kill bamboo but should always be used in strict accordance with the label’s instructions. THE LABEL IS THE LAW.
Treating with chemicals may require multiple years of treatment. Bamboo infestations may take between two to five years to control with frequent and long-term monitoring. After cutting down the culms of bamboo, wait for the leaves to resprout before treating with herbicide. Cutting down the plant during the spring or summer will allow the plant to resprout enough leaves to treat with herbicide. It is recommended to use six percent (6%) glyphosate and a surfactant or spreader-sticker for treatment. A surfactant or spreader-sticker is needed to effectively treat the waxy leaves of the plant. Be cautious with applications, follow chemical labels and never use if bamboo is growing in wetlands or near water.
For more information on using chemicals to control invasive plants, please visit:
Other Bamboo Removal Tips
Bamboo culms and shoots should be cut to six feet (6 ft) for disposal.
Digging out bamboo requires heavy equipment and coordination with Virginia 811.
More information about Bamboo Removal:
