Proper Bamboo Root Barrier Installation

Root barrier is essential for containing running bamboo properly if you are not planning on growing a bamboo forest. Running bamboo are silent productive creepers for the first few years while their horizontal root systems develop and run no more than 1.5’-2’ ft beneath the surface. Running bamboo matures by getting established underground before they start productively showing growth above ground; the majority of people do not know there is a bamboo invasion until it is too late and the roots are all over the property. Once the roots have established their complex and interconnected rhizomes, they will begin more productively sprouting new shoots all over the property until the grove matures fully after about 10+ years. At this point, the bamboo’s spaghetti-like rhizomes can surpass 1” in diameter depending on the size of the variety planted; they have a very dense wooden complex, and are extremely difficult to remove without experience. Even at this point, at full establishment and maturity, the roots do not grow deeper than 1.5’-2’ ft and can still be fully removed by our specialists.

We do not recommend installing root barrier for clumping bamboo because, although spreads 6”-12” in each year, the root barrier will not do an effective job at maintaining the vertical root system complex; once clumping bamboo root systems hit the root barrier beneath the ground, new roots will begin piling up on the existing root mass gradually creating a dense and unappealing mound of root mass which is above ground level sometimes by several feet while also growing on and around the root barrier. This mounding-up happens in tight spaces when there is no proper maintenance being performed, so don’t let this information deter you. To see beautiful bamboo piled up in this manner may lead to bitterness towards the bamboo when it can be easily prevented with professional maintenance.