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Bamboo as a windbreak

Mark124Mark124 Posts: 4
in Plants

I have an area of decking that is rather exposed, and I am thinking of planting bamboo in a series of large containers to act as a windbreak.

Looking on the internet, Bashania fargesii would seem to fit the bill.

Am I right, any thoughts or are there better plants to use?

Thanks, Mark

Last edited: 18 August 2016 10:11:29

Posts

  • treehugger80treehugger80 Posts: 1,923

    you will need very big containers otherwise they will blow over easily (bamboo acting like a big sail), plus bamboo are very thirsty plants,

    depending on how high you want the windbreak there are some species of grasses that grow quite tall but seeing that Bashania fargesii grow to about 25 feet you wont get a grass that tall. How about a trellis with a climber growing over it instead?

  • Mark124Mark124 Posts: 4

    Hi Treehugger80

    Thanks for the response.

    Yes, planning on getting large containers and planting in John Innes 3 so should retain moisture, and therefore weight.

    I want to go to around 2.0m high, and intended to trim the top of Bashania to keep it to this height.

    Trellis is an idea, but I didn't want to go to the hassle of sinking posts into the ground to make sure it stood up to heavy winds.

    Mark

  • treehugger80treehugger80 Posts: 1,923

    trimming bamboo is not a good idea, purely because it looks awful.

    I would look for species of bamboo that only gets to 2.5m rather than the species you mentioned that can reach over 10m tall. 

  • Mark124Mark124 Posts: 4

    Hi Treehugger80

    Thanks for the advice - I will look for another variety that doesn't grow so high.

    Mark

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