What to Do When Bamboo Gets Too Tall

28 Dec

Bamboo is a stunning, fast-growing plant that can make a great privacy screen or garden feature. When bamboo gets too tall, it may overshadow other plants. So, how do you manage this towering plant?

1. Know Your Bamboo Type

First, identify whether you have clumping bamboo or running bamboo.

Clumping Bamboo grows in tight clusters and is easier to manage, though it still requires some care.
Running Bamboo, on the other hand, spreads aggressively through rhizomes and can quickly become invasive.

Knowing what you’re dealing with will help guide your approach.

2. Trim Bamboo to Control Height

One of the easiest ways to manage bamboo is by trimming it back.

Tools: Use sharp pruning shears, loppers, or a saw, depending on the stalk thickness. For tall bamboo, a pole saw may be necessary.
How to Cut: Remove dead or damaged stalks first by cutting these as close to the base as possible. Then, cut back the tallest or unruly stems. Always cut just above a node to encourage healthy new growth.

3. Thin Bamboo for Health and Appearance

If bamboo is growing too densely, thinning it out will improve its health and appearance.

Selective Removal: Focus on removing weaker or older canes and leave the younger, more vigorous ones. This helps balance growth and improves air circulation.
Don’t Overcrowd: Regular thinning prevents bamboo from becoming too dense, which can encourage unwanted height growth.

4. Control Bamboo Spread

Running bamboo can quickly spread beyond your garden, becoming a problem. Here's how to stop it:

Install a Barrier: Install a rhizome barrier made of plastic, metal, or concrete around your bamboo. The barrier should be buried 60 cm (24-30 inches) deep to stop rhizomes from escaping.
Trim Rhizomes: Regularly check for rhizomes breaking through the barrier and trim them back immediately.
Container Planting: If controlling spread is tough in the ground, consider transplanting bamboo into a large container. This will prevent its rhizomes from spreading.

5. Evaluate Bamboo’s Aesthetic Impact

Bamboo can dominate a garden if left unchecked. Here’s what to do:

Create Height Gradients: Trim bamboo either to the same height at the top or to varying heights for a more dynamic and less overpowering look.
Frame Other Plants: Use bamboo as a backdrop or border to highlight other plants rather than letting it grow too tall and thick.

Final Thoughts: Keeping Bamboo Under Control

Bamboo can be a beautiful addition to your garden, but it requires regular care to prevent it from becoming a problem. By trimming, thinning, and containing its spread, you can enjoy bamboo without it taking over. With the right approach, your bamboo will remain a highlight of your garden, not a hassle.

Bamboo Pruning Melbourne .