Removing bamboo roots: 4 alternatives

bamboo promises an exotic look and a dense, almost impenetrable growth. It is not for nothing that the different types of Bambusoideae are enjoying increasing popularity in domestic ornamental gardens, be it as a hedge or as an eye-catching solitary plant. What many often forget when planting, however, is the rapid growth and the sheer impetuous spread of the popular Perennials. Here we explain to you how to remove the bamboo roots and which alternative solutions are available for an untroubled but clearly defined enjoyment of the bamboo.

Bamboo roots

The roots of the individual representatives of the Bambusoideae family reach different depths depending on the species. The rhizomes of the common varieties available from us usually do not penetrate deeper than 60 centimeters in the underground. For removing the roots, this means that you should be prepared to work down to this depth so as not to be surprised by the actual amount of effort later.

Note: In addition to growth in depth, bamboo also roots with high intensity in breadth. When estimating the effort, you should therefore allow for enough leeway in all directions around the actual plants.

Remove bamboo roots

There are various ways to effectively and sustainably remove bamboo rhizomes. In addition to the well-known mechanical methods, there is also the option of tackling the roots biologically or chemically:

Digging out the root ball

The simplest and most obvious method to get rid of the roots of the Bambusoideae is to simply dig them out. This includes a hoe or a spade and a lot of muscle power. The root parts should then be disposed of instead of, for example, being put on the compost. Because it is precisely there that the bamboo roots can use the high nutrient supply and sprout again. It is important to work carefully so that all root shoots are actually found and removed.

• Tools required: pick, spade, bucket or wheelbarrow, protective gloves
• Effort: high workload, as it is purely manual
• Chances of success: very high, as thorough removal is possible through direct contact with the object
• Time frame: Effect occurs immediately due to complete removal

Machine digging of the roots

Those who shy away from purely manual work prefer to use machine support. Either the entire soil including the bamboo roots can be covered with a Tiller loosen and then simply collect the pieces out. Alternatively, it is more suitable for voluminous root balls Mini excavator, which applies the necessary force to reach shoots deep in the ground. The work that is made easier, however, comes at the cost of more effort in preparation and follow-up, as the machines are mostly rented and transport to and from the premises, as well as the removal of possible “floor damage”, are also not done by themselves happen.

• Tools required: tiller or excavator
• Effort: significantly less than with manual removal, but more effort for rework due to intensive intervention
• Chances of success: high, but with machine work there is a risk of overlooking individual roots
• Time frame: immediate effectiveness after removal of the root system

Kill by covering

Bamboo roots can be removed from a purely biological point of view by covering the areas where the bamboo roots are. A simple light and waterproof tarpaulin is sufficient for this. This is spread out on the floor and weighted down with wood or stones to secure the position. The removal of water removes an essential livelihood from the roots and over time they perish.

• Required tools: waterproof tarpaulin, wood or stones to secure the position
• Effort: low as the actual root removal takes place automatically
• Chances of success: mediocre, since the success of the measure can only be seen after the end of the covering phase and, if the covering is not long enough, new shoots are formed quickly
• Time frame: long, several weeks to months, depending on the weather, temperature and growth phase

Attention: This solution takes a lot of time, so it can usually be used when no other plants are supposed to thrive in the covered area anyway, for example in winter. However, the growth and thus the water requirement of the bamboo is also lower here. As a result, the death of the roots also takes additional time.

Use of chemical substances

If you want to keep the effort low, you also have the option of using chemical weed killers. Before they are put in place, the bamboo should be down to the ground cut back will. This stimulates its growth and it absorbs the toxin all the faster after it has been applied. However, due to the high toughness and resistance of the root components, several pouring or spraying passes are usually necessary.

• Required tools: Chemical weed killer, watering can or spray device, protective gloves, pruning shears or secateurs for preparatory work
• Effort: relatively low, physical activity especially with preparatory pruning
• Chances of success: usually only occurs after repeated use, but then quite effective
• Time frame: moderate, depending on the selected herbicide several days to a few weeks

Attention: Although weed killers kill the bamboo, they also pollute the soil and also attack numerous plants that you actually do not want to remove. Since bamboo is considered extremely resilient, the chemicals often kill other plants even earlier.

Preparation and rework

Regardless of which method you choose, in all cases certain preparatory and reworking work is required in order to actually completely remove the bamboo:

• Remove the above-ground parts of the plant before removing the rhizomes
• Dispose of the roots
• Possibly. Filling in the volume of soil taken up by the removed roots

Alternatives to the laborious removal of the bamboo rhizomes

If you want to save yourself the annoying, laborious and time-consuming removal of the root system from the start, you can consider one of the following alternatives, which promise a simple remedy:

• Installation of a rhizome barrier in the form of a vertically positioned film as a root barrier
• prevents the plant from spreading sideways
• Switch to alternative types of bamboo, which have the same look and feel less urge to grow - z. B. Fargesia