How to Dig a Narrow Trench Bamboo Root Barrier?

Digging a narrow trench 30cm to 50cm deep around the bamboo plant can be the first way to stop bamboo from spreading.

Bamboo rhizomes do not grow deep into the soil. That's why a narrow trench will do the job.

The trench will help you to easily spot the rhizomes as they grow out so that you can trim them before they reach other spaces. 

This may not be the best way to stop the rhizomes from spreading, but it is effective for spotting the rhizomes as they grow out.

A narrow trench works effectively as a root barrier.

Spring is the best time to check the trench, clear any leaves and dirt and trim the rhizomes. 

we listed four other containment methods for those homeowners who may have inherited bamboo or others that have not placed a barrier before planting the bamboo. 

You'll find them useful:

• 1] Build a raised bed
• 2] Dig a trench as a bamboo root barrier
• 3] Use pots and containers as root barriers
• 4] Use contained built structures as root barriers
• 5] Best way to grow running bamboo plants (plastic root barriers)

For the benefit of bamboo growers and homeowners, it is perhaps important to either build bamboo barriers prior to planting bamboo in the garden.

Top tip for planting bamboo plants

Before planting the running or clumping bamboos, you should build a barrier especially when growing them as hedging plants. 

This is an important containment measure because as the runners and clumpers grow, they’ll either spread or expand, respectively. 

Barriers can be root barriers, trenches, raised beds or contained structures – any that works for you. Lay root barriers around matured bamboo plants.

The problem with bamboo invading other spaces is due to a lack of care and attention. Bamboo like other plants will grow as long as the conditions are ideal. 

Many bamboo growers are using the bamboo root barriers successfully. These barriers are often put in place before or after planting.

Where to buy root barriers for bamboo in the UK?

We would recommend using the tough plastic bamboo root barrier when planting the running bamboo plants. 

Also, it is a good practice to use root barriers when planting the Giant Timber Bamboo Plants and Phyllostachys varieties.

Here is a list of renowned UK retailers where you can get the recommended root barriers and bamboo care and maintenance accessories from.

It is important to create a bamboo barrier when you are planting the running bamboo. This will save you a lot of work when your plants mature.