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.

How to remove bamboo roots from yard [Video]

The best way to remove bamboo from the yard is to dig out the entire bamboo plant or the parts to be removed. 

Bamboo stems are joined to the rhizomes that grow just below the topsoil. By uprooting the rhizomes, you can contain bamboo from spreading.

Note that although the bamboo roots are not deep in the soil, the intricate network of roots and rhizomes is often difficult to deal with using hand tools.

Recommended tools

• Pickaxe/shovel
• Garden rake.
• Pairs of secateurs or garden loppers.
• Pots and containers for holding cuttings.

Buy the best tools for removing bamboo online.

 

How to remove bamboo roots

Step 1: Cut down the culms (stems), remove the branches and store the bamboo canes for future use.

Step 2: The rhizomes grow on the top layer of the soil, so dig down, along with or around the bamboo plant. Cut all the rhizomes and pull them out.

Step 3: You will also have to remove the whole bamboo buds and clumped base. Put a pickaxe through the base of the bamboo and remove them one by one. Use a pair of secateurs or garden loppers to cut the rhizomes into smaller pieces.

Step 4: Remove any soil around the bamboo roots and base of the parent plant. Keep the cutting in direct sun or pour boiling water on them to stop the cutting from growing again.

Related article: 4 non-chemical ways to remove bamboo plants permanently.

 

Tip #1: Cut bamboo stems

Select and cut the bamboo stems (culms), you want to remove, close to the ground. The tools that you choose to use for cutting the culms depend on their sizes.

For the smaller clump-forming and running bamboos, you will require a pair of secateurs or garden loppers. The big bamboo plants will require an electric saw or hand saw to remove and cut the thick culms.

Cut the bamboo stems horizontally (neatly across), close to the node as possible so that you have a nice and neat space to work. 

Do not cut the stem across the note to avoid any pointy ends sticking out.

Collect the use bamboo sticks in the garden.

Tip #2: Dig bamboo roots and rhizomes

If you want to completely kill the bamboo, you must remove all the rhizomes.

Start by digging 20 – 30cm around the bamboo plant to expose the root hairs and rhizomes. (The best tool for this job is the pickaxe). Cut any rhizomes that you see and remove the soil as you dig.

Carefully store the rhizomes cuttings in a large pot or bin for a few weeks before discarding them from your property.

Tip #3: Remove bamboo rhizomes

Bamboo roots do not grow deep into the soil. As a grass variety, the roots and horizontal stems (also called rhizomes) are often found at the top 20 – 30cm of the topsoil.

That does not mean it is easy to remove bamboo roots from your yard.

The root hairs and intertwined rhizomes network under the soil require a lot of digging, cutting, pulling and removing.

Tip #4: Prepare work area

Before starting, inspect the bamboo to understand how much work you can do in one hour and how long it will take to complete it.

Removing bamboo roots is painstaking work if you are doing it yourself, so prepare well for the job. 

The right tools and preparations are important for getting the job done.

Prepare the cuttings collection bins, tools and gloves and anything you may need.

All in all, remove the bamboo stems, branches and leaves. Then, dip up the rhizomes, cut them into smaller bits, and leave them to dry before binning them.

How close to the boundary can you grow bamboo plants?

Bamboo plants are great because they are fast-growing and beautiful natural plants.

They are also invasive, but not all bamboo plants do spread. We advocate for bamboo root/rhizome barriers when growing the running bamboo plants.

Here are some tough questions that you should ask when growing bamboo along the boundaries and build-up areas.

 

How close to the pavement to grow screening bamboo?

Careful when growing privacy screening bamboo near patios and pavements. 

The patios and pavements laid with sand do not stand a chance against the rhizome’s tips. The tips will invade the tiny gaps and force their way through the pavement blocks.

Choose a suitable clumping bamboo to plant near patios and pathways. 

If you choose running bamboo, create a barrier. Alternatively, dig a small trench or a raised base (bed) to protect the pavement.

How far away from the neighbour’s side to grow bamboo?

Grow the bamboo in a barrier and at least a metre away from the boundary. This ‘one-metre’ space provides Access Way to the bamboo plants and will help you to monitor the growth of the new shoots and rhizome tips.

The key point is that the Access Way helps you to spot and stop running rhizomes and shoots growing into the neighbour’s side. In other words, leave a gap between the boundary and where you chose to plant the bamboo.

If you wish to grow a bamboo privacy screen close to the boundary, use a raised base (bed) or dig a narrow trench to stop the bamboo from creeping onto your neighbour’s side.

Related articles on Evergreen Outdoor Privacy Screen

Readers' note: This article is so long that we split it into several parts. Here are the related parts that you may also like to read:

• PART 1: EVERGREEN BAMBOO SCREENS FOR BALCONY AND TERRACE
• PART 2: FAST-GROWING EVERGREEN OUTDOOR PRIVACY SCREEN - ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW [WITH IMAGES]
• PART 3: HOW CLOSE TO THE BOUNDARY CAN YOU GROW BAMBOO PLANTS?
• PART 4: BAMBOO PRIVACY SCREEN CARE AND MAINTENANCE
• PART 5: HOW DOES A BAMBOO PLANT GROW? [VIDEO]

Solve Bamboo Problems with ‘Access Way’

Many people want to grow bamboo, but they fear it might spread uncontrollably.

Reassuringly, there is no need to worry if you want a quick result for a bamboo screen. Try to understand how a bamboo plant grows and use the 4 tips to grow healthy bamboo plants.

The tips are based on our experience dealing with running bamboo plants growing along the boarder. They are effective in keeping the rhizomes from spreading. 

• Create an ‘Access Way’: The hedging bamboo plants are controllable if you create an ‘Access Way’. The access will enable you to monitor the new growths that are not behaving.

• Trim the new shoots: Trim the new bamboo shoots close to the ground, usually in Spring, when the new plants are germinating. (You will need the access way to monitor the new shoots).

• Control the new rhizome tips: To stop the running bamboo rhizomes from misbehaving, dig the new rhizome tips and remove them, immediately.

• Selective pruning: This applies to both the running and clumping bamboo where you can remove the old culms to promote new growth. You can also direct the new growth into the foliage to create a dense hedge.  the video of our work running bamboo. We tie back the Phyllostachys aureosulcata Spectabilis and create a dense hedging screen)

Importantly, without any access to the hedging bamboo screen, it is going to be hard to control them as they grow. 

Here are some suggestions and care tips that will help you with your choice of bamboo covers.

How close to the neighbour's side should you grow bamboo plants? How these questions and answers with tips will help to avoid any potential neighbour's dispute.

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.

Cost-effective ways to build bamboo root barriers

There are cheap ways to build bamboo root barriers and stop bamboo rhizomes from spreading. Most of them will require genuine effort.

Planning before planting bamboo is the most effective way to control bamboo. In this article, you’ll discover the 5 effective and cost-efficient ways to stop the running bamboo plants from spreading.

Buy bamboo root barrier: B&Q and YouGarden.

Planning before planting bamboo

This may sound too much. However, it requires a bit of forethought about how far the bamboo will grow. The bamboo plants have the average area they are likely to cover at maturity. 

Here is an example of the features of the Black Bamboo Nigra. It will give you an idea about the bamboo you are planting. 

When it comes to growing running bamboo, prevention is better than cure. So, the long-term maintenance plans and suggestions below will help you to grow and enjoy bamboo screens and hedges.

Inheriting bamboo plants – what to do

The argument for having a maintenance plan prior to growing bamboo does not hold strong if you inherited bamboo. 

In fact, it can be frustrating given the amount of work you need to do to remove bamboo or stop it from spreading. It can also be a costly exercise. 

But, there are quick hacks for keeping the bamboo plants under control. It takes only a couple of hours per year. You will need the tools for maintaining the bamboo plants.

5 cost-effective ways to stop bamboo from spreading

1. Use a bamboo root barrier when planting bamboo

Using a rubber root barrier is a common method for stopping bamboo rhizomes from spreading. It is also the most flexible way to grow bamboo plants because you can grow them in any direction.

The bamboo root barriers are great when growing bamboo along the boundary, near built areas and anywhere near the house. 

Always put in a root barrier prior to planting the running bamboo. It will lessen the maintenance work as the bamboo grows. This article has more information on bamboo root barriers and how to use them.

2. Grow bamboo in heavy-duty pots

The easiest method to stop bamboo from spreading is to plant it in a pot. The roots are pot-bound and will not spread. They are great pot plants for patios, balconies and any outdoor spaces.

Most of them can be used as natural privacy screens or windbreaks. The heady-duty rubber pots are best as they are strong. If you need more information on selecting pots for planting bamboo plants, check out this article.

3. Grow bamboo in a raised bed

This is a less common way of containing bamboo plants, but it can be pretty effective when done right. You can build an elevated raised bed from any material, yet brick raised beds are best.

Understandably, the bamboo rhizomes do not grow deep into the soil. 

A raised bed of about 50 cm is ideal for spotting any shoots that are creeping out the allotted space. The elevated beds are a nice way to grow bamboo as a centrepiece or as an individual plant.

4. Dig a trench around the perimeter of an existing bamboo

Making a trench is a cost-effective method, especially when you have an overgrown plant. 

However, it will require close supervision, especially in spring when the shoot and rhizome growths are prominent. 

You will have to physically check for new growths and cut them off. It is a simple yet effective way to stop bamboo from spreading. 

You should dig about a 30 cm perimeter around the plant as the bamboo roots, unlike plants, do not have a tap root that grows deep. The rhizomes are at the top layer of the soil and easy to spot as they grow over the trench. 

Maintain the trench once or twice a year, ideally at the beginning of spring and at the end of summer.

5. Use patio slabs, metal sheets or heavy-duty rubber materials as rhizome barriers

Alternatives to rubber root barriers are patio slabs, heavy-duty plastics or metal sheets.

They work pretty good alternatives to the root barriers that you often have around the house or in the garden. 

 You should dig a trench 30 – 50 cm deep and lay them along with it. It works perfectly every time.

We’ve done that here (YouTube video - watch and subscribe).

Where to buy bamboo root barriers?

You can use any of the methods for containing bamboo plants and stopping them from invading the garden or the neighbour’s side. 

Always use a bamboo root barrier when growing the running bamboo plants. 

Here are some UK shops where you can get the bamboo root barrier: B&Q and YouGarden.

 

Benefits of growing bamboo plants

Bamboo plants are problematic because they tend to spread. However, there are two types of bamboo plants – running bamboo and clumping bamboo plants. 

The running bamboo spreads and that is why growers should use root barriers when growing it. Yet both types of bamboo plants have many benefits. 

They are also resilient plants that they can grow in shade or on tough soil. They are evergreen which means you will enjoy the natural greenery all year round. 

The two most common features of bamboo are that its fast-growing and also long-lasting. They come in all sizes, shapes, colours and heights. Fit for any purpose.

So, if you want a quick screen to cover any unsightly features in the garden, bamboo is the go-to plant.

Stop bamboo from spreading

Regardless of whether you've inherited bamboo or want to grow a new plant, these 5 ways of building bamboo barriers will help you. 

Always build bamboo rhizome barriers when growing the running bamboo plants. 

Check out the complete bamboo care and maintenance guides on GardenBambooPlants.com.

How to remove bamboo without chemicals?

Want to remove bamboo plants without chemicals? Find out about the 4  best ways to kill bamboo plants and stop them from spreading.

Bamboo rhizomes are hard to remove when they spread out. Digging the rhizomes is a perfect way to kill the bamboo permanently.

When is the best time to remove bamboo?

The best time to kill bamboo is in late Spring when new growths are coming out but discard the bamboo cutting safely as they will grow back.

Also, early Summer is a good time to do that because the warm weather will inhabit any new growths.

Discard the rhizome cuttings in storage or bin free of moisture where they will not grow.

Remove bamboo stems and rhizomes

Non-chemical way to kill your bamboo is better for the environment. But it is painstakingly hard work.

You will need

• Pickaxe
• Spade or shovel 
• Pairs of secateurs or garden loppers

Buy the tools from UK suppliers.

How to remove bamboo without chemicals?

Before starting to remove bamboo plants, make sure that the area is nice and clean - clear of any hazards.

The steps will help you to get started.

Use Pairs of secateurs or garden loppers

1: Use a pair of secateurs or garden loppers to cut down the stems, remove the branches and store the bamboo canes for future use.

2: Cut all the rhizomes and pull them out. 

Then, cut them into small pieces and store them in a dry place until they dry out. Do not discard them straight away because if you do, they will grow back.

Also, pour hot water or vinegar over the newly cut rhizome to kill them permanently.

Use a pickaxe as a lever

3: The rhizomes grow on the top layer of the soil, so dig down and along or around the bamboo plant. 

Use the pickaxe as a lever to uproot the rhizomes. If it is too strong, cut the rhizomes into sections as it will be easy to remove.

Use a spade to remove soil

4: Remove any soil around the bamboo roots and base of the parent plant. 

Keep the cutting in direct sun or pour boiling water on them to stop the cutting from growing again.

If you want to remove bamboo permanently, you must remove all rhizomes, including the cuttings and discard them away from your property.

4 Best ways to kill bamboos plants permanently

Although bamboo plants are evergreen and adorable plants adorable, the rate at which they grow can be troublesome. 

The running bamboo plants spread aggressively and take up any space very quickly if left unchecked for 2 – 3 years. 

One of these methods may be ideal for you when removing bamboo plants, check the links for details:

• Cut stems and dig rhizomes to kill bamboos
• Pour boiling water on shoots
• Cut and burn to kill bamboos
• Apply vinegar

Get all the tips on how to remove bamboo.

Note: Get it done professionally. The work is painstakingly hard.

If you want to do it yourself, here are 4 ways to kill bamboo plants permanently.

Understanding and working with bamboos

If you want to know the methods for killing bamboo fast, skip this part and read the method that you wish to use in the article. 

In fact, understanding the features of the bamboos’ roots, rhizomes and stems can reduce the effort required to kill the bamboos.

The bamboos are put into two groups: Running bamboos and Clump-forming bamboos. (We covered this in detail here – Bamboo Varieties that Thrive in the UK). 

In the open, the running rhizomes may grow to an average depth of 30 - 40cm. 

Although this depth is quite shallow, the intricate rooting system makes it difficult to kill bamboo permanently.

Also, the clump-forming bamboo could be quite tough to remove. The clumpers' bases are much tougher because of the compact nature of this bamboo.

Therefore, you may have to apply one or more ways of killing the bamboo highlighted in this article to remove them permanently.

How to stop bamboo spreading?

Disturbing the shoots from growing can inhibit spreading, but does not stop the bamboo from growing back. 

Though it is a temporary measure, it can be effective where bamboo grows in barriers.

 Here is how to stop bamboo from spreading.

Use garden spade and pickaxe

1: To kill bamboo in the garden using hot water, cut the stems as close to the ground as you can, and dig around (and through) the plant to expose the shoots.

Hot water

2: Pour hot water directly on the new shoots and exposed rhizomes, around the base of the bamboo and where there are signs of growth.

3: Repeat the steps if new shoots grow the following Spring.

If you have bamboos that are 2 – 3 years, this method will work just fine. 

Bamboos that are older than 5 years will have well-established rhizomes (in running bamboos) or build-up clumps (in clump-forming bamboos) which make them harder to treat with hot water.

In this case, build a barrier or use the method mentioned above to permanently remove the bamboo.

You will need these tools:

• Pickaxe
• Garden spade
• Hot water
• A pair of garden loppers and secateurs

Buy tools from top UK suppliers.

4 effective ways to stop bamboo from spreading

Although bamboo plants are evergreen and adorable plants adorable, the rate at which they grow can be troublesome. 

They spread aggressively and take up any space that is available very quickly if left untouched for 2 – 3 years. 

One of these methods may be ideal for you.

• Cut stems and dig rhizomes to kill bamboos
• Pour boiling water on shoots
• Cut and burn to kill bamboos
• Apply vinegar

Get all the tips on how to remove bamboo.

Note: Get it done professionally. The work is painstakingly hard.

If you want to do it yourself, here are 4 ways to kill bamboo plants permanently.

Remove running bamboo vs clump-forming bamboo

The work required for running bamboos and clump-forming bamboos is slightly different. 

The running bamboos have horizontal stems (rhizomes) that you have to expose before applying the undiluted white vinegar. 

Whereas the clump-forming bamboo may require cutting and digging around the clump to expose the roots.

• The Running bamboos have an extension of long-horizontal rhizomes, very invasive. 
• The Clump-forming variety forms and expansion of clumped base and grow really thick in clusters.

 

How to kill bamboo 3 ways [vinegar, hot water and burn]

At a pH of 2.4, distilled white vinegar is a pretty strong acid. It can kill the bamboo’s new shoots and rhizomes tips if applied directly. 

The steps are the same as using hot water but instead using white vinegar.

• Use the pair of garden loppers to cut the bamboo stems close to the ground. 
• Dig around the bamboo plant to expose the root system. 
• Use the garden rake to remove soil where you dug and tidy the area.
• Pour undiluted white vinegar directly onto the stems, exposed roots, rhizomes and shoots.

Monitor the plant in Spring and Summer. Reapply vinegar if new growths appear. 

Burn bamboo cuttings and rhizomes

Burning can be very effective but is not environmentally friendly. 

It is a traditional method of removing bamboo in bamboo-growing regions in Asia and the Pacific where slash-and-burn farming is common. 

Although it is not an environmentally friendly way to kill bamboo permanently, it is less labour intensive compared to the methods mentioned above.

What you need

• Pickaxe
• Garden rake
• A pair of garden loppers or secateurs

Buy tools from top UK suppliers.

1: Cut the stems and rhizomes close to the ground. Collect the bamboo stick for use in the garden.

2: Dig up the bamboo, and loosen the soil around the roots and rhizomes.

3: Leave the cuttings and leaves for a few days to dry.

4: Put enough bamboo cuttings into the fire pit or the enclosed fireplace. Add more until you’ve burnt all the cuttings. Do not burn all of them at the same time.

You can use bamboo ash in the garden. The silica content in bamboo is high in calcium and potassium.

Warning: Use a closed fire pit or makeshift fireplace to contain the heat and flames. 

Do not burn bamboo in the open, near buildings, in busy residential areas or anywhere that is not safe to make a fire. 

The burning leaves and hollow hardy stems can release lots of heat and flames capable of reaching several metres.

Best ways to kill bamboos plants permanently

Although bamboo plants are evergreen and adorable plants adorable, the rate at which they grow can be troublesome. 

They spread aggressively and take up any space that is available very quickly if left untouched for 2 – 3 years. 

One of these methods may be ideal for you.

• Cut stems and dig rhizomes to kill bamboos
• Pour boiling water on shoots
• Cut and burn to kill bamboos
• Apply vinegar

Get all the tips on how to remove bamboo.

Note: Get it done professionally. The work is painstakingly hard.

If you want to do it yourself, here are 4 ways to kill bamboo plants permanently.

How to dig out bamboo roots using hand tools

Digging out bamboo roots needs planning and the right tools. This article provides all the info you need to know based on the work we did in the bamboo garden over many years. 

Find out how to remove bamboo rhizomes the right way by using hand tools.

Best hand tools for digging up bamboo

Bamboo roots/rhizomes and base buds are rough, you've got to have tougher tools to deal with them. 

The best hand tool for digging out bamboo is a pickaxe. Though it's heavy, it will make work lighter.

Also, you will need a pair of shears, a spade/shovel, a crowbar and a pruning hand saw.

Use a sealable bin to keep the rhizome cutting until they are dry.

Get the tools from top UK Home & Garden suppliers listed at the GBP website.  

List of tools for digging bamboo:

• Pickaxe 
• Crowbar
• Pair of garden shears
• Spade
• Pruning hand saw

Dig out bamboo roots

When digging out bamboo, always do a clean cut through the rhizomes without pulling or splitting because the remaining parts will grow back, quickly.

Also, take precautions when digging up bamboo roots. The bamboo slits are razor sharp and can cause injury.

As a rule of thumb, cut the bamboo roots and rhizomes into smaller segments and keep them in a dry area until they dry before discarding.

You may find this article useful too: 5 ways to stop bamboo from spreading

Rhizomes and clump bases

Running bamboo rhizomes are underground stems. 

Clumping bamboo plants do not have rhizomes, instead, the roots form clusters around the plants called clump bases. 

Here is how to dig out bamboo rhizomes and clump bases to propagate.

• Select the rhizomes that have buds or shoots coming out at the nodes.
• Put the straight into shade or bucket of water.
• For Runner bamboos cut 4 – 6 nodes or 3 – 5 internodes off the rhizome.
• If you are working with Clump-forming bamboos, separate the compact clumps with 2 – 4 bamboo canes/culms on the cuttings.
• Re-grow the rhizome cuttings immediately.

Tool: You will need a sharp pair of secateurs or garden loppers for snipping the branches and cutting the rhizomes. 

B&Q has a great collection of cutting and pruning tools - check them out.

When taking the bamboo cutting off the mother plant, do not disturb any new buds and small roots on the cuttings. 

Put the cuttings in shade or into a bucket of water so that the roots remain fresh for re-planting.

Dig out bamboo best non-chemical removal method

The rhizomes (and clump base) of many bamboo plants in the UK do not grow deep into the soil. 

They grow horizontally along with the top layer of the dirt at an average depth of 5 – 20cm. 

If you are going to re-grow the cutting, avoid using chemicals that can potentially damage the parent plant and the cuttings. 

(Read about the 4 Natural Ways to Kill Bamboos Permanently)

When removing invasive bamboo, always work smart, not hard. 

Identify where the rhizomes are running before digging. 

Here is how to dig out bamboo without using chemicals.

Cut stems

• Cut the bamboo stems at 180 degrees across (horizontally), close to the ground. (Dig out the bamboo or use them in the garden)

Dig out dirt

• Dig a drain around or along with the bamboo to a depth of 5 – 20cm.
• Dig out the soil and dirt, cut off the rhizomes and clean the root hairs.

Remove rhizomes and clump bases

• Removing rhizomes: Identify which way the rhizomes are running or how the clumps are formed, and dig along the rhizomes before removing them. (Do not break the rhizomes as they will grow back if left in the soils).
• Removing bamboo base clumps: Use a pickaxe to dig out the base of the bamboo – one base stem at a time.

Do these before binning

• Use a pair of secateurs or garden loppers to cut the stems into smaller pieces about 1 – 3cm.
• Remove any side buds and root hairs to avoid any chance of growing back.
• Leave the rhizome cuttings in direct sunlight and starve them off water and shade for 3 – 5 days or unit the rhizomes turn brown. This should be enough to kill them completely.

Tools you’ll need: Hacksaw, pickaxe, pair of secateurs or garden loopers. Get them here 

Work smart when digging up bamboo roots

The bamboos have tough rhizomes (underground stems) and culms (stems), so work smart when digging them up.

Care should be taken when cutting the bamboo stems and rhizomes.

Hope this article gives you an idea about how to dig out and remove bamboo rhizomes in your garden and stop the rhizomes from spreading into other spaces.

Check out the blog's archive for more info on how to remove bamboo roots/rhizomes.