[mobilekat]

We moved house last November and I am now trying to work on improving the garden.
Sadly the previous owners were not gardeners, so after getting a few beds put in, with anti-weed membrane and a few shrubs and bamboo they kind of left the garden to it...
This was something we were aware of, and in someways the 'fairly blank canvas' was one good point of the house.
But I have now realised I have the joy of rampant bamboo, which has grown through the 'anti-weed membrane' and gone mental

My plan has been to cut the bamboo back to the ground, try to get the membrane up, and then dig out the runners and roots from under it. I don't really want to have to reach for the chemicals, but I think I may need to else I may still be trying to shift the stuff when we move out!

Any other suggestions (other than a flame thrower!), and anyone got experience as to which weed killers are best fir bamboo?

Thanks

[sunshineband]

Manual removal is the best approach imho, and then burn the haulms completely.

A very satisfying bonfire it will be, too 


Sorry, forgot to answer your question -- glyphosate will do the job, and may need a second application: Doff Super-strength Weedkiller is as good as any

[Asherweef]

I recently removed about a 4ft square of bamboo in the backyard that the previous owner had thoughtfully put in. It took me about 3 weekends and a crowbar, sledgehammer and axe are absolutely essential! It isn't too bad when you start - and the cracking of roots when the crowbar is in is strangely satisfying. (I used no chemicals)

-- And cut your shoots down in small sections to fit them into the bin better!

[beesrus]

I've just used an angle grinder on my garden bamboo roots 
Once the last couple of years spreading roots have been separated from the initial plant, it is far easier to uproot the new bamboos.
I have also used a sharp hand saw in the past to cut down through the roots, followed by a pick axe. Wonderful tool.

[grinling]

mine was easy and been relocated...

if in front garden, you could advertise it in freecycle, dig up yourself option.

if not wanting at all, cut to about 6 inches, dig around the plant with a spade shovelling away, forming a trench around, cut black matting first. Try to go a spade deep, 2 spades out, then cut roots whilst clearing soil underneath. Stick on Freecycle when out and leave out front for easy removal...if no joy root ball normally goes to recycling centre rather than bin.

[Goosegirl]

There are many varieties of bamboo, some of which aren't invasive, so grinling's might have been one of these?

[Asherweef]

I suspect so... Mine was a nightmare!

[Trillium]

That's the problem with non-gardeners choosing plants - they tend to choose the rampant ones like non-clumping bamboo. When they discover their colossal mistake, they move and leave the problem to the next owner.  Best of luck to the new bamboo owners.

[Goosegirl]

Not sure if the invasive bamboos have hollow stems or a softish content, but you could always dribble some glyphosate-based weedkiller down the cut-off stems.

[Lulu]

My sister has inherited some bamboo so will let her know the suggestions.  We had a similar issue with a Pampas Grass.  It refused to die but we got there in the end.  My Sister has also inherited rampant grape vines - they easy to manage though.