@clematisdorset Put it this way, now I am retired I would not tackle this job anymore! A sharpe spade is a must. With some of the larger running bamboos including a mature Black Bamboo I really wouldn't know where to start . No technique just the strength to slice down with the spade. I have a Fargesia which I took a spade to in spring no problem but I am concerned that might become too much. I can recall a post some time ago about a large bamboo that had taken over a large part of a garden. I have no idea if anyone came up with an answer, I just recall it was a long debate. Having worked as a gardener I like to be able to have some control over my own garden. I keep an open mind.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
@GardenerSuze thankyou very much. I am trying to ensure my plants do not become too difficult to deal with, for instance, sometimes even hedge trimming can be physically demanding, especially if it needs to be done at short notice. I am still puzzled as to how I could get a sharp spade to work. Would a nick with a knife start off the process do you think to enable a spade to finish the job?! So is there a need to dig it out or just splice it? Would rainy weather help or hinder the process or have no effect one way or another? I am thinking of saving this as another job for autumn.
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@clematisdorset If the ground is soft it might help but the idea is to sever the roots and slow the growth. I have only used a spade not sure a knife would help. With some jobs it can be a case of try anything! I would only suggest it is a job for someone who is fit and strong. I guess it also depends on the size of the roots which can vary as to the chance of success.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
@clematisdorset, I recommend using a combination of tools. First a spade to remove the soil around the runner and the attached roots, then either a pair of loppers, secateurs, or if necessary a pruning saw. Sometimes you can just pull them out by hand once you’ve cleared the soil away. If you find them early in the growing season in May/June, they are usually quite easy to remove. If you wait until later in the season, the runners can become quite woody and determined! I would try to tackle this now after the ground has softened after some rain, or after a good watering. A couple of energy drinks beforehand perhaps!
Thank you very much @Plantminded, I can picture what you are saying. It seems that once there is a gap underneath the runner (where the soil was) then it will be easier to 'get at it'. I think I may have some woody runners, but if I can approach the younger ones first, that will help. I would like not to be playing catch-up with them. I am sure it will be worth it. I read recently about how air-purifying bamboo is, so I am happy to have them growing - I just did not really know how to look after them in terms of this remedial work. I expect energy drinks beforehand would be good and something stiffer and a long hot bath after!
Sorry to witness the demise of the forum. 😥😥😥😡😡😡I am Spartacus
I have several varieties of bamboo in my garden and am an ardent fan @clematisdorset! They make excellent additions to a garden if well selected, located and managed. I spent 10 years in the tropics as a youngster and we had our school lessons under a huge stand of bamboo when it was really hot. We had some in our garden too which literally grew inches overnight, hence my fascination! Be vigilant around May and June but relax and enjoy them throughout the year. Enjoy your pruning celebrations too!
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A sharpe spade is a must. With some of the larger running bamboos including a mature Black Bamboo I really wouldn't know where to start . No technique just the strength to slice down with the spade.
I have a Fargesia which I took a spade to in spring no problem but I am concerned that might become too much.
I can recall a post some time ago about a large bamboo that had taken over a large part of a garden. I have no idea if anyone came up with an answer, I just recall it was a long debate.
Having worked as a gardener I like to be able to have some control over my own garden. I keep an open mind.