How do I get rid of the running type of bamboo?
by
Connie
My dad planted some sprouts that were given to him and he wouldn't keep them under control, nor let anyone else touch them. He has since passed away and it is now out of control. Nothing we do seems to help. We even ordered a product online that was supposed to kill it out but it didn't phase it at all. It continually has to be cut down to keep it out of the electric lines. Hope someone knows what to do.
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Oh yes, bamboo can grow like a weed!
Cutting down the parts of the plant above the ground will help reduce the amount of plant showing. However, as long as the roots below ground are still alive, they will continue to grow and multiply.
To destroy the bamboo entirely, you will need to dig down below the bottom portion of the roots, and completely dig them out. Do not put them in a composter or anywhere else that you do not want bamboo. Put them in a tied plastic trash bag, and pitch out.
Depending on the extent to which the roots have already spread underground, it may be difficult to locate the end point to all the roots. You will most likely need some kind of weed killer to apply to all parts of the plant that you may see continuing to push up above ground.
Most weed killer solutions kill the top portion only of the plant. You need to purchase one that actually embeds itself into the root cells in order to halt the growing of the plant.
Try Roundup, a weed killer available at all home improvement and hardware stores. It must be mixed and sprayed, so you need a pressure sprayer, and a calm windless day. It is highly toxic, wear rubber gloves when handling it, a mask isnt necessary as it does not fume. Spray everything thoroughly, it should show signs of die-off next day. This product is designed to be absorbed by the plant and carried to the roots, killing the entire plant. I have no experience with bamboo, it may take more than one application as new shoots emerge after the initial spraying, but my experience with it leads me to believe it will do the job for you if you. keep after it. I must warn you the Roundup will render the soil unuseable for any replanting for a couple of seasons. How long will depend on how much you use to kill the bamboo.
I haven't tried it yet myself, but I was told to cut the bamboo (leaving a few inches above ground), push down the "mushy stuff inside" with something sturdy (wooden dowel) and then put "killsall" right in the "stump". You may have to put the killsall in a few times, but it will go into the roots and should spread amongst the nasty bamboo. I'll let you know how it works out for me! Once it stops raining where I live, I'll get out there and get busy! Good luck!