Bamboo is often prized for its rapid growth and ability to form dense screens. Its vigorous nature, however, means many species spread aggressively through the soil, quickly becoming an invasive problem. Complete removal requires a targeted approach focused entirely on the plant’s extensive underground network of stems, known as rhizomes. Eradicating an established bamboo stand is a labor-intensive project that demands persistence and the right strategy to ensure the plant does not return.
Identifying the Bamboo Type and Necessary Tools
The first step in planning the removal is accurately identifying the type of bamboo, as this determines the difficulty of the task. Bamboo is generally categorized into two main types based on its rhizome structure. Running bamboo is the most problematic because its long, thin rhizomes spread horizontally, sometimes traveling many feet from the original plant before sending up new shoots. This extensive, shallow network of runners makes running bamboo highly invasive and necessitates a broad removal area.
Clumping bamboo is significantly easier to manage because its rhizomes are short and thick, growing in a dense, U-shaped cluster that slowly expands outward. While the physical mass of a clumping root ball is large, it remains localized to a predictable area, simplifying the scope of the excavation. Whether dealing with a spreading runner or a dense clumper, the job requires specialized tools to cut through the tough, interwoven underground stems.
Essential equipment includes a sharp, heavy-duty root-cutting spade or shovel, designed to slice through woody rhizomes rather than simply moving soil. A pickaxe or mattock is invaluable for breaking up the dense root ball and providing the necessary leverage to pry large sections out of the ground. Additionally, a reciprocating saw equipped with a wood-cutting blade can be used to sever thick, woody rhizomes that resist manual cutting. Heavy-duty gloves and safety glasses are mandatory to protect against splintered bamboo and flying debris during the demanding work.
Step-by-Step Guide to Rhizome Extraction
The physical removal process begins by clearing the above-ground canes, also known as culms, to give full access to the soil. Use a hand saw, chainsaw, or loppers to cut all the bamboo canes as close to the ground level as possible, removing them entirely from the work area. This step is purely for access and does not harm the rhizomes, which store the plant’s energy underground.
Once the area is clear, establish the perimeter of the bamboo grove and dig a trench around it to expose the outer edge of the root mass. For running bamboo, this trench should be well beyond the visible canes, as the rhizomes may have extended underground without yet sending up shoots. The trench should be dug to a depth of at least 18 inches, which is generally the maximum depth of most bamboo rhizomes.
With the perimeter defined, work the root-cutting spade or pickaxe into the soil to sever the rhizomes from the surrounding ground. The goal is to isolate the main root ball into manageable sections that can be lifted out. Using a digging bar or mattock, apply leverage beneath the exposed root mass to pry and lift the heavy, interconnected mat of rhizomes from the earth.
The entire root system is a dense, fibrous mat that holds a significant amount of soil, making the extracted sections extremely heavy. You can use a strong stream of water or a high-pressure washer to loosen and remove excess soil from the rhizomes, reducing the weight and making them easier to handle. This process must be repeated across the entire area, meticulously inspecting the excavated soil to ensure every visible piece of rhizome is removed, as even small fragments can regenerate a new plant.
Post-Removal Treatment and Preventing Regrowth
After the main physical excavation is complete, the area requires long-term attention because of the bamboo’s tenacious nature. Proper disposal of the removed material is extremely important, as rhizomes and culm fragments can easily sprout if left in contact with soil or moisture. Bamboo waste should not be composted; instead, it should be bagged and sent to a municipal waste facility or allowed to dry out completely on a paved surface before disposal.
The next stage involves constant vigilance to address any remaining rhizome fragments that may have been missed during the digging. For the following few months and often into the next growing season, new shoots will likely emerge, indicating that the root system is still alive. These new shoots must be snapped off or cut immediately upon discovery to prevent them from photosynthesizing and replenishing the rhizome’s energy reserves.
To further exhaust the remaining underground fragments, employ a technique called solarization, which involves covering the cleared area with thick, dark plastic sheeting or a tarp. Securing the plastic tightly to the ground uses solar heat to cook the remaining rhizomes and smothers them by blocking all light. For particularly persistent or widely spread regrowth, consider applying a systemic herbicide, such as glyphosate, directly to the freshly cut stems of new shoots. This targeted application allows the chemical to travel down into the remaining root system, providing an effective way to kill off the deeply embedded fragments.