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Bamboo - Running or Clumping

terrymanson21terrymanson21 Posts: 5
in Problem solving
Hello- we recently moved into a new house and I have quite a bit of bamboo in the garden. 

Can someone advise is this running or clumping bamboo?

I can send more pictures if needed!

also any ideas what bamboo it is?

Thank you 
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Posts

  • BijdezeeBijdezee Posts: 1,484
    I think identification of the variety would require a picture of it in full growth. Colour of stems etc. 
  • terrymanson21terrymanson21 Posts: 5
    Thanks for this will get another picture. Would be grateful for any other comments?
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    The root structure looks identical to a Phyllostachys that I removed a few years ago.  That's a runner not a clump forming variety.
  • terrymanson21terrymanson21 Posts: 5
    Thanks for this. How did you manage to remove it? Regards 
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    With great difficulty. You need to dig up what you can (not easy) and then keep an eye out on the area and beyond and cut back any growth that you see. It will take a long time especially without using any chemicals but keep checking and you will get rid of it.
  • terrymanson21terrymanson21 Posts: 5
    Is the term Phyllostachys the same as golden bamboo? 
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    There are many varities of Phyllostachys and there is one that is called the golden bamboo.
    We love and grow many different bamboos but have learnt that when the conditions are super right they all can be invasive and need to be checked during the growing season to make sure that they aren't going where we don't want them to go.
  • terrymanson21terrymanson21 Posts: 5
    Ok brilliant. Do you know what type of Phyllostachys this would be? 

    Is it golden bamboo?
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    Bamboo generally doesn't root very deep.  I used an axe to chop through from the top to make manageable pieces, and a mattock to dig around and under each piece to get it out.
    Cut it back, leaving stems about 3 feet long.  That makes access easier but you still have something to pull on once you have undermined each clump.  Check for any runners from each clump as you remove it and try to get those out at the same time.  I had a few runners going quite a distance under the lawn but by pulling the runner upwards it's possible to see the direction of travel.  I pushed an old knife down the side of the runner to cut the turf and eventually removed the runners.  Time consuming but it does work.  I had one or two small stems reappear, but mowing killed them off.  I did this about 9 years ago and there is no sign of regrowth.
  • KiliKili Posts: 1,104
    edited March 2021
    terrymanson21 said:
    Ok brilliant. Do you know what type of Phyllostachys this would be? 

    Is it golden bamboo?


    If its Phyllostachys Aurea its classed as a clumping form according to the label I have for mine. I'm afraid I'm not qualified to tell you if that's what it is.

    'The power of accurate observation .... is commonly called cynicism by those that have not got it.

    George Bernard Shaw'

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