Bamboo Rhizome Barrier

Bamboo rhizome barrier permits the control of growth by surrounding it with a physical barrier such as concrete or specialist heavyweight plastic. If the barrier is not sloping outwards the rhizomes may well attempt to get under the barrier, or just grow through it in the case of plastic. The barrier will need to be between 2 and 3 foot deep to be effective.

For most applications in the control of running bamboo it is recommended to use a heavy 24" wide, 40 ml, high density, polyethylene bamboo barrier. This is available from suppliers on rolls and in various lengths up to 250 feet. This size should be suitable for most bamboo containment but in the case of giant bamboo species it is better to use up to 36" wide for an improved barrier.

A polyethylene barrier is preferable to concrete for containing bamboo. It does not crack like concrete and it doesn't rust like metal where holes may appear and permit the bamboo plants to grow through and escape.

You will also need to purchase some double sided sticky tape for joining the ends.

In my experience it is easier in small gardens to prune the bamboo as described in Pruning Bamboo when it is not contained in a physical barrier. If you want to follow the barrier method of containment for a more permanent, no maintenance, method of control from the start, slope the sides of the barrier outwards so that the rhizomes are directed upwards where they can then be pruned as required.

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From your interest in bamboo rhizome barrier you will also find the following pages useful.

Rhizome Barrier Installation - Guide and advice for installation of a polyethylene barrier

If your bamboo has already grown out of the area you want to contain it in, and the above methods are no longer of use in its control, see my article on how to Kill Bamboo if you want to eradicate part of it from the area.... or all of it!