Bamboo is a beautiful flora from Asia . There , nature provides a remainder of predators and disease that keep bamboo in check . However , here in the U.S. where it was face for usage as an ornamental plant , there is n’t a born management system to turn back it .
Some varieties of bamboo are considered “ invasive . ” Specifically , fortunate bamboo ( Phyllostachys aurea ) , which is also recognize as fishpole bamboo or walk stick bamboo , is consider encroaching . According to the University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health , gilded bamboo is invasive in twelve southern states from Texas and east to Florida and north to Maryland . It is also an invasive plant in California and in Oregon .
How to Identify Invasive Bamboo
Invasive bamboo develops into a very dense wall of stalks above earth , crowding other plant life . Underground , it produce a arrangement of rapid runners that overtake native plants ’ root systems . To have a look at some trespassing golden bamboo check out theseinvasive bamboo image .
How to Eradicate Invasive Bamboo
To eradicate an plague of bamboo entirely takes persistence and forbearance . The rhizomes can be ground within a foot of the ground ’s aerofoil . Cut the bamboo down to a few inch marvelous . Then , dig up as much of the solution and runners as possible . This can be done by hand for smaller area . For larger areas , you may involve to use power equipment .
Since bamboo is a eccentric of grass , regular , uniform mowing will eventually cause bamboo rootstalk to give up and expire . If you choose to mow your bamboo to death , just love that it may take 2 - 3 geezerhood to finally get the job done . Even then , it ’s advisable to be on the observation post for raw sprout .
The use of an herbicide to get rid of invasive bamboo is another option . However , bamboo does tend to be resilient to herbicides , so many applications may be necessary . Complete eradication is best achieved when mowing is combine with the use of an herbicide .
An herbicide whose alive ingredient is glyphosate , such as Roundup Original , is the good choice for bamboo eradication . Within a few days of mowing , watch for Modern increment to seem . Apply the herbicide directly to the new leaves . Again , the overall time systema skeletale for eradication may take years , so be diligent .
How to Grow Invasive Bamboo Responsibly
In spite of the warning , if you opt to plant bamboo , count planting it in a raised bed enclosed with Stone or bricks to prevent the rhizome from propagate . Or , if you already have invasive bamboo and would like to incorporate it , you might consider rootstock barrier specific to check bamboo . Rhizome barriers for bamboo are sheets of metal or plastic that are placed vertically into the ground in a margin around your designated bamboo area .
The rag should be place in trenches that are at least two feet deep . The top two in of the sheet should remain above ground with a protective capital over any metal edges . The sheets should be identify destruction to end , and should overlap each other by at least two in .
The barrier should totally surround the bamboo garden . This method prevents rhizome from spreading . However , you will have to control any rhizomes that already live outdoors of your perimeter to prevent their growth . You will also have to monitor the barrier over time to ensure no rhizomes are reach out under or over the metal .
Non-invasive Alternatives to Invasive Bamboo
While trespassing bamboo is a industrial plant that gardeners should avoid , fortunately , not all bamboo is considered invasive . “ Clumping ” bamboo does not grow the hole-and-corner runner that make rapid , disperse growth . The rhizomes for clumping bamboo grow more slowly over prison term , and they sprout up in clumps . It is easily contained as an ornamental plant life choice . Fargesia robusta , Fargesia rufa , andFargesia scabridaare cold-blooded hardy variety of clumping bamboo that are alternatives to invasive bamboo .
Better yet , you might need to just stick with native plant option rather than introducing bamboo into your landscape painting . Florida leucothoe ( Agarista populifolia ) is a bush character plant with leaf that calculate standardized to clumping bamboo in shape , size , and color . Yaupon holly ( Ilex vomitoria ) is an substitute plant that grows similar in height to bamboo . Yaupon holly attracts and supports native wildlife , such as local birds and butterflies .
All plant have their proper place , and bamboo is no exception . So , permit ’s do what we can to keep bamboo and other potentially harmful works in their piazza . And do n’t be afraid to severalise your neighbors what you know about invasive plant life .
Need more information on controlling invasive bamboo?
check out out these resources : Bamboo Controlfrom Clemson Cooperative ExtensionGolden Bamboofrom University of Florida IFAS Extension
