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Best way to get rid of bamboo (and what type of bamboo is it?)

January ManJanuary Man Posts: 212
in Plants
Hi all

We have a patch of bamboo we want to remove.  Also interested ot know what type it is.  We've been in the house just over two years, and I wouldn't say that the plant has spread much in that time, but them I'm not sure at what rate it would usually spread.  A few photos below.  

Any ideas from anyone more familiar with bamboo that I am (I know nothing!)  

Many thanks











Posts

  • Chris-P-BaconChris-P-Bacon Posts: 943
    Fargesia nitida, I think.
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 11,965
    Correct, Chris. That's the same as ours. Supposed to be the clump forming kind not a runner.
      
    What is it hiding behind it?  I would double check that before you dig it out as it may well have been planted there for a purpose.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • edhelkaedhelka Posts: 2,350
    I agree with fargesia, although not sure which one. They are pretty harmless, not spreading, and can be even pruned (but it ruins the natural shape).
    To remove, just cut it down and dig it out. It will be a lot of work but not too complicated, just hard work.
  • K67K67 Posts: 2,507
    edited April 2021
    You could thin it out a bit and remove the lower leaves on the stems as that makes it look less bulky but it depends on why you want to get rid of it. 
    Don't cut it too low if you are going to dig it out as longer stems will give you something to rock the plant back and forth and loosen the roots a bit as you cut through them.




  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,586
    Love bamboos but even though they can be non invasive....many are.
    Agree with @K67 removing the lower leaves allow you to see the beautiful stems in all their glory and then they don't look so huge.
    Just keep an eye out on the area for upcoming stems and if you don't want them there, then cut them back to the ground and keep doing so as they come up again.
    Be aware that the new shoots can grow under concrete/paving slabs and then come up in areas you wouldn't think they would.
    Still lovely plants but need to be checked.
  • January ManJanuary Man Posts: 212
    Many thanks for such helpful replies.  

    The reason we are getting rid is that it just looks out of place and isn't to our taste.  Plus it obscures a nice view form the house.  The only thing that might make us keep it is if it can be "coppiced" (would that be the right term?) for canes to use with veg and tomatoes.  Can this type of cane be used for that?  Even if so, we have so much hazel and stuff like that growing naturally that there's no major need for bamboo canes. 

    Thanks again

     
  • Chris-P-BaconChris-P-Bacon Posts: 943
    You could split it and plant a smaller bit in a container? I think they look quite good in terracotta pots. 
  • greatnorthernexoticgreatnorthernexotic Posts: 96
    Where are you based? There'll be plenty of people willing to dig that up and take it away for use in their own garden. Put it on Facebook, Gumtree etc.
    Growing tropical and desert plants outdoors in West Yorkshire
    INSTAGRAM/ YOUTUBE
  • January ManJanuary Man Posts: 212
    Good thinking @crgnnn - that had not occured to me and it would be my preference for someone to get some use out of it.

    I'm in Carmarthenshire, near Llandeilo if anyone here is interested?  Will also pop it onto FB and Freecycle.  

    Cheers

  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,586
    Yes we do cut them back and use them for support for many things...fruit and veg...and as they are very sturdy they are a great use in the garden.
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