I've been battling with two patches of bamboo in my garden since 2012, remnants from the previous owners. Despite a month of cutting, I've discovered these monsters have deep roots, and I suspect there's an extensive root system below. I'm looking for effective strategies to get rid of this bamboo for good. A friend suggested that cutting off the leaves could starve it, but I'm unsure if that will work since some plants can bounce back. What's the best approach?
3 Answers
An effective option is to inject a high concentration of glyphosate into the base of the bamboo stems or cut a gash and paint it on. This works best in dry weather. Just a heads up, if you decide to keep cutting it back, it might take a few years, but it can eventually die out. If it feels too overwhelming, calling in professionals could save you a lot of hassle!
We had a similar issue and found that covering it with black plastic helped. We used some leftover pond liner and left it on for three years, which worked pretty well! We still see some stray shoots now and then, but they’re easy to manage—just cut them down like any other weeds. Hope this helps!
Yeah, that sounds like a solid plan! I've heard good things about using plastic to starve plants.
If you really want to tackle those bamboo roots, the best method is to dig them out completely. It’s tough work, but it’ll be worth it! Make sure you have the right tools like a pick, crowbar, and a saw. If the space allows, consider using a mini digger to help with the job—it can fit through most doorways. Good luck!
Thanks for the tip! I might give the black plastic method a try. It's nice to know there are options!