Wish I could "nuke it from orbit, just to be sure"

[vash]

One word - BAMBOO.

I took a few swings at it with a pick axe. It felt like I was sledge hammering iron. It was one instance I felt I happier with more money than tine/energy. I called a pro. They are using a jack hammer!!! Kicking butt. They cut the culms first and now are digging down to take out roots. He said I'll probably have two spring seasons chasing down left overs. He said dig them up or cut them and pour stump killer into the stalks. I can handle it. I need to dig a trench and put a barrier in to keep it from back tracking back onto my property. Who plants this chit?!!! It's like Pandora's box. Or releasing a plant Kraken. This stuff sucks. I bet there is equal debris underground as there is growing up.




Sent via Jedi mind trick.

[Baz]

I love Bamboo and plant it routinely on my projects.

But if you plant the wrong variety......and/or plant it in the wrong place...then you're not going to be happy....

[vash]

It was an old hedge. Hedge bamboo. For the most part, it behaved. But the PO was ripped off by her gardener. He said he was clearing the runners. He wasn't. It got away. You don't let running bamboo escape long. Ever.


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

[sc_rufctr]

I had the same issue in a house I owned years ago. Full on dig out and bomb fire (when it was still legal to do so)
5 years after removing it there were still new shoots every spring. Sold the house and that was it... lol

[Baz]

That looks like Buddha Belly - which is not a runner.

Even clumping can get too large as it expands....

[vash]

I'd love for you to be correct. But I just chased and pulled out about 30 feet of runners. I hate this stuff. I'll Chem fight it soon.


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

[vash]

Originally Posted by Baz

That looks like Buddha Belly - which is not a runner.

Even clumping can get too large as it expands....

Any secret tips for removal?


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

[dad911]

I wanted to do that to a neighbor, but my wife stopped me. Barrier on our side, then plant.

I'm surprised landscaper isn't using a backhoe to dig it out.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by vash

Any secret tips for removal?


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

Run over it with a lawn mower or hack the new shoots when they appear. Eventually, it'll get bored.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by vash

Any secret tips for removal?

As Dad mentions below......a backhoe or loader would be ideal, as long as you could access the area. I have a friend with a small track loader who removed some for me and it worked out fine and his machine is very small - but a good operator would know how to get the most out of his equipment.

Originally Posted by dad911

I'm surprised landscaper isn't using a backhoe to dig it out.

[rfuerst911sc]

Not to take the post off topic but Baz is there types of bamboo that can be grown and controlled ? I have a pesky neighbor that I would love to hide/barricade with a natural fence. Please PM me as I don't want to run this posters topic off course. Thanks

[Baz]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Not to take the post off topic but Baz is there types of bamboo that can be grown and controlled ? I have a pesky neighbor that I would love to hide/barricade with a natural fence. Please PM me as I don't want to run this posters topic off course. Thanks

I think this info would be helpful to many here so I'll post it in the thread.

The variety that I have found to be the best for providing privacy, screening, and attractive foliage plus not take up a lot of space nor invade is called Bambusa textilis 'Gracilis'.

Common name is Graceful or Slender Weaver(s) Bamboo.

You can Google it for more information.

===================

Here's some I used on a job with date stamps so you can see how well it grows. I use drip tubing instead of spray heads if possible and keep them very wet the first month or so right after planting. Once they get new roots they aren't as sensitive to wilting.

Note the distance I planted away from the fence...and even after a couple years...there is still a respectable amount of space left to provide access for maintenance of fence and bamboo.

Those are 7 gallon size plants I started with which are much more economical then larger sizes, especially when you end up planting 10 or more plants - it all adds up. With proper care, you don't have to start off with large plants to get results, as you can see.

Once in a while I have an "impatient" client who wants instant gratification. (you know the type ) But usually I can talk them into going to economical route...

I planted on both sides of this backyard but am only showing the left side in the pics - but both sides turned out amazing....

[Baz]

Another pic....2 years after planting.....

[vash]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Not to take the post off topic but Baz is there types of bamboo that can be grown and controlled ? I have a pesky neighbor that I would love to hide/barricade with a natural fence. Please PM me as I don't want to run this posters topic off course. Thanks

You serious? Don't do it. I'm sure my nerves are still raw but I think it's pure insanity.

My bamboo guy said even a barrier needs maintenance. Two feet deep plastic barrier. Maybe back filled with small rocks. He said running bamboo makes the best barrier. But it's the kraken.


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

[Tobra]

Bamboo is the fire ant of the plant world.

[Holger]

We have two chunks of bamboo to improve privacy in the yard. Both barriered with plastic 1 meter down in the ground and both of a type that should not "run away".

[sammyg2]

It's just grass .....

[ledhedsymbols]

Originally Posted by vash

It was an old hedge. Hedge bamboo. For the most part, it behaved. But the PO was ripped off by her gardener. He said he was clearing the runners. He wasn't. It got away. You don't let running bamboo escape long. Ever.


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

So would it be fair to say that she was........ Wait for it......... Bamboozled?

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by ledhedsymbols

So would it be fair to say that she was........ Wait for it......... Bamboozled?

[BeyGon]

One of the classes I took was on plants and the instructor said, sort of as a joke, if you have a neighbor you don't like and are moving in a couple years, plant bamboo on his PL. If you aren't moving just buy some roosters.