To kill bamboo effectively, a combination of persistence and multiple methods is usually required due to its hardy and invasive nature. Here are the main strategies:
Chemical Methods
- Use grass herbicides containing glyphosate, which are the most effective for killing bamboo. Spray new bamboo shoots as early as possible for best results. Repeated applications are often necessary to prevent regrowth
- Another effective chemical is Blackberry Killer, which can kill bamboo faster than glyphosate. Cut bamboo below a node and fill the hollow stem with the herbicide to ensure it reaches the roots. Repeat on new shoots as needed
Manual Removal
- Cut bamboo stalks as close to the ground as possible using a saw or loppers.
- Dig out the rhizomes (underground stems) carefully, starting from the outer edges of the root system inward. Bamboo rhizomes grow horizontally and can be up to 3 feet deep.
- Remove as much of the root system as possible, since even small rhizome fragments can regrow shoots.
- Regularly inspect and remove new growth to exhaust the plant’s energy over time
Mechanical and Physical Methods
- Mow or cut down new shoots repeatedly to weaken the bamboo. For tall shoots, cut them low before mowing.
- Boiling water poured over exposed roots can damage bamboo cells and inhibit growth, but multiple treatments may be necessary. This method is organic but less reliable for deep roots
- Soil solarisation: After cutting bamboo to ground level, cover the area with clear plastic sheeting secured at the edges to trap heat. Leave for 6-8 weeks during hot months to "cook" and kill roots and rhizomes
- Smothering with thick mulch or tarps can also starve bamboo of sunlight, leading to gradual death
Preventive Measures
- Install a physical root barrier at least 60-90 cm deep to prevent underground spread.
- Regularly disturb soil around the bamboo area to expose and remove any remaining rhizomes
Persistence is key; bamboo removal often requires repeated efforts over weeks or months to fully eradicate it. In summary, the most effective approach combines cutting bamboo to ground level, digging out roots, applying herbicides or boiling water to new shoots, and preventing regrowth with barriers or smothering techniques
