Effective Bamboo Removal & Control Throughout Somerset

Bamboo, once celebrated for its aesthetic appeal and rapid growth, has become a significant concern in UK gardens due to its invasive nature. Particularly, Phyllostachys this “running” bamboo species can pose substantial risks, including encroachment into neighbouring properties and structural damage.

Understanding Bamboo’s Invasive Nature

There are two primary types of bamboo: clumping and running.
While clumping bamboos initially grow in tight clusters, over time they very often produce running rhizomes to increase their overall spread.
Running bamboos right from the start of growth spread aggressively hidden from sight underground.
The running rhizomes can extend up to 10 meters from the parent plant, infiltrating neighbouring gardens and properties . The rapid spread of running bamboo makes it challenging to contain and control.

Bamboo Encroachment: A Growing Concern

Bamboo’s tendency to encroach into adjacent properties has led to numerous disputes among homeowners, it is a situation that we often see. As bamboo spreads beyond its intended boundaries, it can overrun lawns, flowerbeds, and other garden areas.
The encroachment often results in damage to hedges, planted flower borders, patios, and other structures, leading to costly repairs .

We also see cases where bamboo has penetrated buildings, growing into cavity walls and through floor voids. Such invasions can compromise the structural integrity of properties, leading to extensive and expensive repairs .

Rhizome Expansion and Structural Damage

The underground rhizomes of bamboo are the real problem. These tough runners can exploit gaps and weaknesses in structures, causing significant damage. Bamboo has been known to penetrate concrete floors, brickwork, and even drain systems.

There are endless reports of where bamboo has caused serious issue, including one extreme case where bamboo spread beneath a property’s concrete ground floor and began growing through the floor, leading to an insurance claim exceeding £100,000

The expansion of bamboo rhizomes will often lead to the displacement of other plants, growing into hedges or lawn areas with damaging consequences.

Legal and Financial Implications

While bamboo is not currently classified as an invasive species under UK law, its potential to cause damage can often lead to very costly legal disputes between neighbours.
The financial burden of bamboo removal and any repair work to the surrounding can be substantial.

Challenges in Bamboo Removal

Removing bamboo is not a straightforward task, it is certainly not the job for the inexperienced and unskilled.
We very regularly have to remove bamboo where a gardener has “had a go” this unskilled and inappropriate approach often makes the work more complex and costly to completely rid the area of bamboo.

Recommendations for Home Gardeners

Given the potential risks associated with bamboo, gardeners are advised to consider the consequences of having it growing in their gardens.
For those determined to retain bamboo, containment measures are well advised.
Planting bamboo in containers with root barriers can help limit its spread. However, even with these precautions, the risks associated with bamboo may outweigh the benefits.

In short there is only one way to not have a potential bamboo problem, and that is not to have it growing in your garden or indeed your neighbours garden.