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Wandering bamboo

EmerionEmerion Posts: 599
in Problem solving
When we moved in here in 15 years ago, the previous owner said that the 2 types of bamboo next to a small pond were clumping and wouldn’t move 🙄. A year or three ago, one of them started popping up a foot or so from the parent clump, and I’ve kept it under control by cutting it off at ground level. This year it has appeared 10 feet away. Is there anything else that can be done apart from to keep cutting it down? 
Carmarthenshire (mild, wet, windy). Loam over shale, very slightly sloping, so free draining. Mildly acidic or neutral.


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  • AthelasAthelas Posts: 946
    edited June 2023
    This happened with me a few years ago — I was also told the bamboo was non-running at the time it was planted. I had someone dig up the bamboo, cut off any runners outside the main clump and install a plastic barrier around it.



    Maybe for the first year afterwards the bamboo looked a bit sorry for itself, but now it looks quite happy within its bounds.
    Cambridgeshire, UK
  • EmerionEmerion Posts: 599
    Thanks @Athelas
    Carmarthenshire (mild, wet, windy). Loam over shale, very slightly sloping, so free draining. Mildly acidic or neutral.


  • SalixGoldSalixGold Posts: 450
    This recent thread discusses ways to tell if the bamboo type is really clumping.


  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    We love our bamboos but as others have said wish they would do what the label says....but they don't. We are always on the look out for them being where they shouldn't and cut them back and keep cutting back. They are "contained" but that doesn't stop them. This really warm weather has seen an increase in them moving out. Doesn't matter if they are runners or clumping, they are on the move.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Emerion I grow a clumping Fargesia which I root prune with a spade once a year in spring. I have broken a spade on a running Bamboo.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • EmerionEmerion Posts: 599
    @GardenerSuze Oh no! it looks like it’s going to be a long term maintenance job then, hopefully with no loss of garden tools 🤞🏻 
    Carmarthenshire (mild, wet, windy). Loam over shale, very slightly sloping, so free draining. Mildly acidic or neutral.


  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Emerion I think everyone should be aware of Bamboo especially if you want to sell a property.
    Surveyors are on the look out!
    I should add it is probably the toughest job you will tackle in a garden.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • EmerionEmerion Posts: 599
    @GardenerSuze, I wouldn't have planted it myself, and that’s a good point about surveyors as we will be moving away from here in the next few years. Must get on top of it. Unfortunately the 2 clumps are very big and close to each other, so the thought of digging it out is daunting, especially as it is close to a pond. 
    Carmarthenshire (mild, wet, windy). Loam over shale, very slightly sloping, so free draining. Mildly acidic or neutral.


  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Emerion If you type in Bamboo just above 'recent discussions' there are two threads posted regarding this subject. I think it was @Dovefromabove who also posted a newspaper article that is a concern. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • clematisdorsetclematisdorset Posts: 1,348
    @GardenerSuze I know you mentioned using a spade. Does it need to be sharp? I am not sure I would have the strength. Is there a special technique? Is a kitchen knife needed to start off a 'nick' in the skin I wonder?
    Sorry to witness the demise of the forum. 😥😥😥😡😡😡I am Spartacus 
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