Garden Q&A: How can I get rid of bamboo that's spreading?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions

A bamboo plant. File picture

About two years ago, I removed an established clump of bamboo from my garden. It is now reappearing in different parts of the garden. How can I get rid of it?

ANSWER

Whilst it’s too late for you now, the best advice I can give anyone thinking of planting bamboo is to consider planting it in a contained area such as a large container or raised bed. 

If you must plant it in the open ground then be aware that there are spreading forms which are quite invasive and there are clump-forming species which are much easier to control.

It sounds to me that you removed a spreading form. 

The bamboo plant. 

What happened is, you removed the main plant but the roots that were left in the soil are now sending up shoots at various points along the root system. 

The only way that you can control this is to dig out these new plants wherever and whenever you see them, removing as much root as possible.

This will take some diligence and some time but you will eventually be bamboo-free.

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