How to remove invasive bamboo - Ask Extension
Good morning! Someone near a city park planted bamboo many years ago, and it has spread into the park. We are working with the City of East Lansing Pa...
Knowledgebase
How to remove invasive bamboo #890707
Asked December 11, 2024, 12:52 PM EST
Good morning! Someone near a city park planted bamboo many years ago, and it has spread into the park. We are working with the City of East Lansing Parks & Rec department to work on removing it, but they aren't sure how to go about it, and neither are we. Do you have any advice for us, please?
Thank you very much!
Ingham County Michigan
Expert Response
I am working on finding an expert in the meantime here is a link to a bulletin written by experts:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/236/21086/AquaticsFieldGuide.pdf
https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/236/21086/AquaticsFieldGuide.pdf
Thank you very much! We know this is going to be a big job. The bamboo has spread quite far into the park, and we really need to get it under control.
Take care,
Debbie
Debbie Walton (she/her) Communications Manager |
From: ask=<personal data hidden> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 1:30 PM
To: Walton, Debbie
Subject: Re: How to remove invasive bamboo (#0160623)
Good Afternoon,
To remove bamboo from a rain garden, you will need to dig out the entire root system. Bamboo is known for its invasive root system, so it is important to remove as much of the root system as possible to prevent regrowth. You can use a shovel or a spade to dig out the bamboo. Be sure to dig at least 6 inches deep to ensure that you remove the entire root system. Once you have removed the bamboo, you can replant the area with native plants that are well-suited for rain gardens. Michigan State University Extension has a great articles on rain gardens that includes information on selecting native plants and creating a rain garden at the below links:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/soak-up-the-rain-with-a-rain-garden
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/rain_gardens_part_2_rain_garden_plants
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/eight_simple_steps_to_creating_rain_gardens
MORE INFORMATION ON INVASIVE BAMBOO:
According to the University of Maryland Extension, bamboo is an invasive plant that can be challenging to remove. The following methods can be used to get rid of bamboo:
Dig it up: This method involves using a spade shovel to dig around the base of the bamboo plant to loosen the soil. Once the soil is loosened, the plant can be pulled out from the ground, root ball and all. For non-clumping varieties, follow the plant’s rhizomes as best as you can to remove all of the underground shoots.
Keep cutting it back: This method involves cutting the bamboo back to the ground level with pruners or a handsaw. Repeat this process until the roots are exhausted of their energy store.
Pour on boiling water: Pouring boiling water on the bamboo shoots can help kill the plant.
Use vinegar and plastic sheets: This method involves covering the bamboo with plastic sheets and then spraying vinegar on the leaves. The vinegar will kill the plant by drying it out.
Opt for a commercial weed killer: A commercial weed killer can be used to kill the bamboo. However, it is important to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
Above information is at this link:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/containing-and-removing-bamboo
Another article is BAMBOO CONTROL from Clemson University at this link:
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/bamboo-control/
I hope this helps!
To remove bamboo from a rain garden, you will need to dig out the entire root system. Bamboo is known for its invasive root system, so it is important to remove as much of the root system as possible to prevent regrowth. You can use a shovel or a spade to dig out the bamboo. Be sure to dig at least 6 inches deep to ensure that you remove the entire root system. Once you have removed the bamboo, you can replant the area with native plants that are well-suited for rain gardens. Michigan State University Extension has a great articles on rain gardens that includes information on selecting native plants and creating a rain garden at the below links:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/soak-up-the-rain-with-a-rain-garden
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/rain_gardens_part_2_rain_garden_plants
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/eight_simple_steps_to_creating_rain_gardens
MORE INFORMATION ON INVASIVE BAMBOO:
According to the University of Maryland Extension, bamboo is an invasive plant that can be challenging to remove. The following methods can be used to get rid of bamboo:
Dig it up: This method involves using a spade shovel to dig around the base of the bamboo plant to loosen the soil. Once the soil is loosened, the plant can be pulled out from the ground, root ball and all. For non-clumping varieties, follow the plant’s rhizomes as best as you can to remove all of the underground shoots.
Keep cutting it back: This method involves cutting the bamboo back to the ground level with pruners or a handsaw. Repeat this process until the roots are exhausted of their energy store.
Pour on boiling water: Pouring boiling water on the bamboo shoots can help kill the plant.
Use vinegar and plastic sheets: This method involves covering the bamboo with plastic sheets and then spraying vinegar on the leaves. The vinegar will kill the plant by drying it out.
Opt for a commercial weed killer: A commercial weed killer can be used to kill the bamboo. However, it is important to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
Above information is at this link:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/containing-and-removing-bamboo
Another article is BAMBOO CONTROL from Clemson University at this link:
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/bamboo-control/
I hope this helps!
Good morning, Doreen,
Thank you so much for your response. This is not actually part of a rain garden. This is a city park that is urban forest area. It's up in Al White Park on the trails that are north of the pond. Does that change your response at all?
Thank you. I appreciate your help with this matter.
Take care,
Debbie
Debbie Walton (she/her) Communications Manager |
From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2024 11:44 AM
To: Walton, Debbie
Subject: Re: How to remove invasive bamboo (#0160623)
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2024 11:44 AM
To: Walton, Debbie
Subject: Re: How to remove invasive bamboo (#0160623)
Good Morning,
It is the same.
Containing and Removing Bamboo | University of Maryland Extension
Good Luck.
It is the same.
Containing and Removing Bamboo | University of Maryland Extension
Good Luck.
