Tools for digging up bamboo

Removing bamboo can be a challenging task, as the plant's roots can grow deep and wide, making it difficult to extract without damaging the surrounding environment. 

In this article, we will explore some of the tools that are commonly used for digging up bamboo, including their advantages and disadvantages, and how to properly use them.

Round-point Shovel with a curved blade

The first tool that is commonly used for digging up bamboo is a shovel. Shovels come in many different shapes and sizes, but the most common type used for digging up bamboo is a round-point shovel. 

This type of shovel has a curved blade that is designed to cut through soil and roots with minimal resistance. The advantages of using a shovel for digging up bamboo include its versatility and ease of use. However, shovels are not always the most efficient option, as they require a lot of manual labour and can be hard on the back.

Round-point Shovel with a curved blade

Buy at B & Q

Flat-blade muttocks

Another popular tool for digging up bamboo is a mattock. Mattocks are similar to shovels, but have a flat blade on one side and a pointed blade on the other. 

The flat blade is used for chopping and cutting through roots, while the pointed blade is used for digging and removing soil. 

Mattocks are particularly useful for digging up bamboo that is growing in rocky or hard soil, as the pointed blade can be used to break up the soil and make it easier to remove. 

However, mattocks can be heavy and difficult to use for extended periods of time, and can be dangerous if not used properly.

Muttock

Buy at B & Q

Pointed-end Pickaxe

Another tool that is commonly used for digging up bamboo is a pickaxe. A pickaxe is a hand tool with a pointed end for breaking up soil and a flat end for cutting through roots. 

Pickaxes are commonly used for digging up bamboo that is growing in rocky or hard soil, as they can be used to break up the soil and make it easier to remove. 

However, pickaxes are heavy and difficult to use for extended periods of time, and can be dangerous if not used properly.

Pointed-end Pickaxe

Buy at B & Q

Gas-powered auger

A power tool that is commonly used for digging up bamboo is a gas-powered auger. An auger is a drilling tool with a spiral-shaped blade that is used to dig holes in the ground. 

A gas-powered auger is an efficient tool for digging up bamboo, as it can quickly drill through soil and roots, making it easy to remove the bamboo plant. 

However, gas-powered augers are expensive, loud, and require regular maintenance.

Gas-powered auger

Buy at B & Q

Japanese Hori Hori knife 

Finally, for more specific and delicate tasks like removing the new bamboo roots a Hori Hori knife is a great tool. 

The Hori Hori knives are a type of Japanese gardening tool that has a sharp blade on one side and a serrated edge on the other. They are perfect for digging and removing bamboo roots because they can be used to cut through roots and soil with precision, while also being able to be used as a digging tool. 

They are also great for removing weeds.

Japanese Hori Hori knife 

Available on Amazon UK

 

Here are the simple tools that we use to use to dig up bamboo in the garden - click here to find out.

 

Tools for digging up bamboo

In conclusion, there are many different tools that can be used for digging up bamboo, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. 

Whether you choose to use a shovel, mattock, pickaxe, gas-powered auger, or Hori Hori knife, it's important to use the tool properly and be mindful of the surrounding environment to ensure that you can harvest your bamboo without causing any damage.

Disclosure: Click on the images or the links to buy the tools. We earn an affiliate commission when you buy using our link, which comes at no additional cost to you.

5 Best Tools for Digging Up Bamboo Roots [VIDEOS]

Many experiences have indicated that digging up clump-forming bamboo or running bamboo is a tedious task. Yet, using the best bamboo digging tools is the key to making a heavy job lighter. 

The bamboo that grows among trees and new concrete structures can be even harder to dig out.  

Find the 5 best tools for removing bamboo roots and rhizomes.

5 bamboo digging tools – recommended

The running bamboo rhizomes and clumping bamboo clump-base are found at the top layer of the soil, it will require a lot of digging, cutting and pulling.

The list of the top 5 Hand Tools (and alternatives) you should have when digging bamboo.

1. Pickaxe (or mattock) – For digging and breaking into the rhizomes (of the running bamboos) and clumps (of the clump-forming bamboos).
2. Wrecking bar (or crowbar) – access the rhizomes and break up the solid clumps.
3. Garden Rake – clear the working area off loose soils and leaves.
4. Pair of Secateurs - cut the root hairs, small culms and rhizomes.
5. Pair of Garden Loppers (or hand saw)– cut the bulky clumps and rhizomes.

 

Correct tool key to a light job

'Lever' is key when removing bamboo

The correct tools make the job easier. If you are planning to dig and remove bamboo plants, you will need all the 5 had tools listed above.

Running Bamboo Plants: 

The rhizomes of the Running Bamboo Plants run horizontally away from the parent plant and also intertwine with other rhizomes, plant roots and anything in their way. 

A long-handled tool with a pointed tip gives you access and provides the lever you need to remove the bamboo deep underground.

Clump-forming Bamboo Plants:

The clump-base of the clump-forming bamboo plants is often tightly packed together, tough and strong. 

The best way to deal with it is to work your way through the clump base from one side and chip off bit by bit until you remove the bamboo.

Perhaps the most important point is to use a long-handled hand tool to give you the leverage you need to uproot the bamboo.

Although, the bamboos do NOT grow deep into the soil. It will require a lot of digging, cutting and pulling.

Dig up bamboo, slow and steady

The hardest part is removing the intertwined rhizomes of the runner bamboo or chipping away the tightly packed clump-base of the clump-forming bamboo.

It is going to be a slow and steady job. So, do not try to get them done in one go if you are working alone. In a case where you want a fast job, get help.

Where you Buy Bamboo Digging Tool: A better tool for digging tough and stubborn bamboo is one that gives you the best leverage. 

Check out this page for more information about the digging tools we used in the videos  and where to buy them.

Our experience digging bamboo

Our running bamboo plants are in great shape providing the evergreen cover over many years. It is always a delight to see the new delicate bamboo shoots in Spring or the old plants dancing in the wind in Summer. Never a dull moment.

But, it is hard work to maintain them. Tedious. Here are some bamboo Grow & Care tips we shared earlier.

• Natural Ways to Remove Bamboo Permanently 
• How to Cut and Remove Bamboo Rhizomes Using Hand Tools

The correct tool is the pickaxe and garden loopers. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to remove or dig up their bamboo plants.

Tools for planting bamboo

Planting a new potted bamboo or growing one from the nursery also requires a good dig. The ground hole has to be deep enough to take the whole plant.

Many bamboo plants come in heavy-duty pots of various sizes, ranging from 10 L pots (26cm diameter top and 22cm depth) to 40 L pots (50cm diameter top and 35.5cm depth.)

Generally, dig an area about twice the Top Diameter and Depth of the pot. A good digging tool makes the job lighter. 

If the soil is compacted and tough, you will need a pickaxe or crowbar. Ideally, a crowbar or spade that is narrow at the tip (such as the grafter and trench digger) will do the job.

Alternative bamboo digging and planting tools

The 5 tools mentioned in this article are all you need to dig and remove the bamboo. 

To recap here are the 5 tools: Pickaxe (or mattock), Wrecking bar (or crowbar), Garden Rake, Pair of Secateurs and Pair of Garden Loppers (or hand saw).

Pickaxe and Wrecking bar are must-haves.

Bamboo digging tools UK

It could be tricky to work with bamboo at any time of the year. And, it can be hard work to maintain a bamboo grove. 

Here are tips and a video that will help you choose the right tool and find the right time to maintain your bamboo plants.

When is the best time to maintain bamboo plants? 

You can remove bamboo plants at any time. But to maintain your plants, you've got to do it when the bamboo growth is prominent, especially in Spring and Summer.

Early Spring and late Summer are the best times to maintain your bamboo plant. 

It is an ideal time for thinning, pruning, mulching and applying fertilisers.

It is also the ideal time to remove the bamboo rhizome and dead plants.

Bamboo digging tools and care materials

Here are some tools and materials that you will need for thinning, pruning, mulching, and generally maintaining your bamboo.

Tools: (Buy bamboo digging tools at B&Q DIY)

• Crowbar or pick axe
• Garden fork
• Shovel
• Pair of secateurs
• Pair of garden loppers

Materials: (Check out the materials at YouGarden UK)

• Garden ropes
• NPK fertilisers
• Mulch
• Roots barrier

Here is a complete list of UK retailers where you can buy bamboo digging tools and supplies.

Choose bamboo digging tools

Working with bamboo is tough work, see the video. So, choose the tools that will lighten the work. The best hand tool for removing bamboo, in our experience, is a pick axe or crowbar. 

If you have an electric saw, you should cut your work in half. It is probably the best tool to have when removing bamboo plants. 

If you have a large bamboo grove, seek help.

 Bamboo plant is a perennial evergreen 

The Bamboo plant is a perennial evergreen and retains its foliage all year round, including its culms, sheaths and branches. 

The underground nodes, clumps, roots hairs and rhizomes will remain fresh though not much activity takes place. 

 

So, use the right tool to maintain your bamboo plants.