Due to its fast-growing nature and great ornamental value, bamboo is popular as a natural screening plant for gardens.
In recent times, however, homeowners are becoming aware of the risks of invasive bamboo. If left unchecked, it can become out of control with roots potentially causing structural damage to surrounding properties, fences, patios and decking.
Anyone contemplating growing bamboo should be well informed about all the care and maintenance that is needed to control it. Below, you'll find a five-step guide on how to remove, manage and kill this pesky plant.
How to remove bamboo in your garden
1. Know what type of bamboo you are dealing with
The first step is to identify the type of bamboo you are growing. Some bamboo species are more invasive than others and can potentially damage your home. Invasive varieties should not be planted under any circumstances, whereas other types can be grown with precautionary measures in place.
Clumping varieties of bamboo are less aggressive in their spread and, with proper care, can be successfully grown in your garden, providing you put suitable measures in place (see below).
Running bamboo varieties, which have long, runner-type rhizomes and include Phyllostachys, Pleioblastus, and Sasa species, should not be planted. Existing plants of these types can also be more difficult to remove.
If you're unsure whether you're dealing with running bamboo, Jennifer Holmes of Environment Controls says to watch out for the following signs:
- New shoots breaking the surface away from the main plant
- Running bamboo often has a vertical groove; clumping varieties are usually round
- If your clump is forming a perfect, dense circle but pushing up paving slabs, it’s time to call the experts
2. Cut the canes right down
Cutting canes back won't get rid of bamboo, but removing them will make it easier for you to see the area you're dealing with and start digging up the roots. Cut canes can be left to dry and used as plant supports in your garden.
Regular pruning is good practice for controlling bamboo plants and preventing them from becoming invasive and needing to be removed. It is advised that you prune the rhizomes twice a year to keep the plant in check – otherwise it could land you in court.
Shop handy bamboo cutting tools
Dealing with thick canes and branches? We recommend these loppers, thanks to their long handles.
This budget-friendly saw can be used to cut down bamboo canes and saw dry ones to size if you're reusing them.
These hand-held shears are ideal for cutting smaller bamboo clusters and are coated with anti-rust oil for durability.
3. Dig out the roots
“The most effective way to remove bamboo is to dig out as much of the rhizome system as possible," says Martin Chaplin, Head of Horticulture at Hedges Direct.
"Gardeners should be careful when doing this, as bamboo can regenerate from surprisingly small sections of rhizome. This means rotavating or chopping roots into pieces can sometimes make the problem worse by creating multiple new growth points."
The more mature your plant, the deeper your roots will be. This is usually the case for running varieties of bamboo as roots have been known to grow to over a metre deep. If this is the case for you, hiring a small digger will be your best option, to ensure you get down deep enough to remove the entire root system.
Martin brings over 35 years of experience in the horticultural world, shaped by a lifelong curiosity and deep appreciation for plant diversity. He has worked alongside high-profile nurseries, growers, and specialist breeders, contributing to new plant releases and holding senior roles across retail, garden centres, and landscape supply.
4. Only use chemicals if absolutely necessary
It is possible to buy bamboo weedkiller, however, this method can damage the ecosystem of your garden. The RHS for example, don't support the use of weedkillers and believe that non-chemical approaches to removing bamboo are just as effective.
“While some gardeners choose to use a systemic weedkiller as part of the removal process, it's important to understand that bamboo is rarely eliminated with a single treatment," says Martin Chaplin. "Even where weedkillers are used, multiple applications and ongoing monitoring are often required because the underground rhizome network can remain active for some time."
If you do use chemicals, garden designer Rosemary Coldstream suggests digging out as much of the root as you can and using a weedkiller such as Round-Up Tree Stump Killer Root Killer (available from Amazon) to destroy the root.
5. Monitor for any offshoots growing elsewhere
Once you've removed the bamboo roots, keep an eye out for any new shoots and get rid of them promptly.
How to stop bamboo from spreading
1. Choose a non-invasive bamboo species
“The easiest way to manage bamboo is to choose the right variety from the outset," says Martin Chaplin. "Not all bamboos are invasive. Clump-forming varieties tend to stay much more compact, whereas running bamboos spread through underground rhizomes and are far more likely to become problematic.”
2. Plant bamboo in containers
Planting bamboo in pots is the most effective way to prevent it from spreading to other areas of your garden, but if you do plant it in the ground, it's best to take additional measures.
3. Invest in a physical barrier
Gardening expert Anne Swithinbank says: "Prevent the spread of new and existing bamboos by installing a physical barrier. A trench at least 24in (60cm) deep is lined with paving slabs, corrugated iron or root barrier fabric suitable for bamboos. Let the barrier sit proud of the ground to stop rhizomes from creeping over."
4. Keep on top of new growth
Martin also recommends inspecting your bamboo once or twice a year to catch rhizomes early.
Shop bamboo root control barriers
This flexible HDPE barrier is durable and crack-resistant, helping to prevent bamboo from spreading in your garden.
This control barrier will contain the roots and offshoots from your bamboo plants.
Concerned about bamboo spreading in your garden? You could dig it up and move it into this strong steel planter.
“Ultimately, bamboo removal is a test of persistence rather than a quick fix. The gardeners who achieve the best results are usually those who combine physical removal with regular follow-up inspections and deal with any new shoots before they have a chance to re-establish," concludes Martin Chaplin.
If you're looking for alternatives to bamboo to create a sense of privacy in your garden, there are plenty of other garden screening ideas that can be just as effective. You may also want to invest in one of the best trees for privacy.
