Ski Landscape

The lovable squeezable Panda is natures spokesman for giant forests of bamboo. Bamboo is exotic and may at first blush be a good thing for the backyard landscape. Bamboo is easy to grow, grows quickly, acts as a perfect privacy screen and if not managed properly will take over.

There are two types of bamboo that grow in the states. The more friendly type is clumping bamboo (fargesia dracocephala). Its evil cousin is running bamboo (phyllostachys nigra).

Clumping bamboo grows like its name and is manageable. If left unchecked it to can become a problem. Running bamboo can grow up to 80 feet high and 7-8 inches in diameter. Bamboo roots tunnel far from the plant and spawn new shoots, often dozens of feet from the original plant. Not only does bamboo grow fast, it’s virtually indestructable. Bamboo was the first plant life to voluntarily re-emerge after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The top portions above ground where destroyed but the underground shoots where formidable enough to survive the flash.

There’s little agreement on the best way to eradicate bamboo when it gets out of hand.

Many experts suggest cutting bamboo to the ground, adding weed killer and then mowing regularly to keep new shoots under control. Another eradication method is pouring salt on the roots. If the weed killers, mowing and salt do not work, then get a backhoe and dig it out.

It’s safe to say that running bamboo is as insidious as kudzu and Japanese honeysuckle. If you give it an inch it will literally take a mile. The best practice is don’t plant bamboo. Leave the bamboo to the Panda Bear.