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How to stop bamboo growing & spreading? Does it grow through concrete?
Paul Anderson
Posts: 260
in Talkback
Hi Everyone
My friend just asked me what he can do to stop bamboo spreading and whether it penetrates through concrete slabs? I have not got a clue so I thought I would ask on here 
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Posts
So much depends upon which bamboo he has. There are lots, and some of them are really very vigorous and can spread through nearly anything. Maybe if a picture of the bamboo can be uploaded that will help, and a sight of the new shoots - how far from the original planting is it trying to grow? In the end bamboo is a grass, but can be a ferocious one if in the wrong place.
It won't grow through the slabs per se, but will find a way between them if is is a spreader, but there are ways to contain it - more people on here will know more about that than I do - hope he gets some good help here.
They will try and grow under slabs, esp if the supports are just sand and not concreted in. Some Bamboo, like Sasa japonica are vicious and not suitable for small gardens. Most Fargesia behave. If the slabs are laid on their side a say they are 50cm deep then Bamboo will not grow under them.
The common and cheapest way to stop bamboo is to make a ditch where you want them to stop and cut any runners off when they emerge.
Ok thats great, thanks for your help I will pass on this information
The variety is Phyllostachys Aurea
Bamboo is a surface rooting plant, you can buy bamboo control systems via Amazon or Crocus. This system pushes the spreading roots upwards and you just cut off and roots coming over the top of it.