Running Bamboo

Bamboo root barriers made of polypropylene, metal, or high-density polyethylene (plastic) may be effective to contain running bamboo. 

• The root barrier should be 36” in height, with approximately 30” below ground, and 6” above ground.
• The above ground portion of the barrier should go straight up toward the bamboo, so that any shoots or rhizomes hitting the barrier will be deflected toward the bamboo owner’s property and away from adjacent properties, making the rhizomes more visible to spot and cut.

Root Barrier Animated Demonstration Video

Quick and early removal of bamboo can reduce the long-term impacts to surrounding trees and vegetation.

• Continued removal of new plants and sprouts will be necessary to limit new bamboo growth.
• Monitor treated areas regularly to control new seedlings or regrowth.
• Various herbicides are available to kill bamboo but should always be used in strict accordance with the label’s instructions.

Digging out bamboo requires heavy equipment and coordination with Virginia 811.

Cut the bamboo as low to the ground as possible and immediately apply a non-selective herbicide, in strict accordance with the label’s instructions. A brush killer containing a high concentration (20-25%) of glyphosate or triclopyr should be applied to the cut tops of the bamboo within one minute of cutting.

Subsequent herbicide applications of the leaves with a 5% concentration of glyphosate or triclopyr will be necessary to contain the bamboo growth for approximately 2-5 years.

Regular mowing (weekly or as needed depending on the season) may help reduce growth. Use the lowest deck setting on the mower. If using herbicide, wait to mow until the leaves die.

• Cut bamboo should be in sections no longer than 6 feet for disposal.
• Residents should include all cut bamboo (roots and culms) with trash pickup - not as yard waste.

Alternately, cut culms can be dried and used as plant stakes, vine supports or materials for craft projects.

Master Gardeners are trained volunteer educators as part of Virginia Cooperative Extension. They work within their local communities to encourage and promote environmentally sound horticulture practices through sustainable landscape management education and training.