How to get rid of bamboo roots – 3 ways to ensure they don't come back

As one of the most stubborn species in the plant world, removing bamboo and killing its roots can seem almost impossible. This is why we spoke to the garden experts to find out how to get rid of the plant for good. 

Out of all the possibly invasive plants in your garden, bamboo might be one of them that you'd rather keep around. Bamboo can be one of the best garden fence ideas, but its roots are ruthless and will quickly take over your garden if you let it. 

So before your bamboo plant and its roots spread through your entire plot, try out these expert-approved methods to get rid of it and ensure it never comes back. 

How to get rid of bamboo roots: an expert guide

In the same way you get rid of weeds in your grass, getting rid of bamboo can become a rather overwhelming task. So finding the right method to suit your budget, situation and preference is really important. 

1. Manual removal

It's time to get your essential gardening tools together and tackle your bamboo the old-fashioned way. Using a manual approach is the best for an eco-friendly and permanent solution, much like getting rid of ivy naturally.

"First, gather your tools, " says Fiona Jenkins, a gardening expert at MyJobQuote. "Sharp shovels, sturdy axes, and pry bars will be your allies. Then water the bamboo patch a few days beforehand to loosen the soil, making the excavation less difficult. After that, cut down all existing bamboo culms to near ground level as this will eliminate the energy source that fuels root growth."

Fiona then says, "Start digging a trench around the perimeter of the bamboo clump, going at least a foot deep. As you go, sever any rhizomes you encounter using the axe or a sharp spade. 

Remember, the goal is to remove every single piece of root possible. Once you've isolated the main clump, begin digging inwards, carefully extracting the rhizomes and roots. A strong fork or trowel can help pry out smaller sections." 

Bear in mind that this process can be time-consuming and may require multiple sessions, especially for larger bamboo stands. But keep going, the key is to be persistent and thorough with your removal. 

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Fiona Jenkins

With over 25 years of experience under her belt, Fiona is a trained gardener who offers advice and insight to several trade companies and homeowners. She has also been featured as a gardening expert for several publications. 

2. Chemical solution

Should you not have the time or the energy to do manual removal, you can also go the chemical route. Chemicals, whilst controversial in regards to the rewilding garden trend, can be super helpful when getting rid of pests or stubborn plants. 

"Not all herbicides are created equal, make sure to look for products containing glyphosate that are effective against bamboo," says Fiona. "Consult a professional at your local garden centre to ensure you get the right formulation for your specific bamboo species". 

When using herbicides, Fiona is quick to stress the importance of an accurate application. 

She explains, "Herbicides can harm surrounding plants if not applied carefully. Opt for a selective herbicide or use methods like the stem injection technique to minimise collateral damage." 

Just be aware that whilst herbicides can kill existing bamboo they may not completely eradicate the root system so you might need to follow up with a manual removal. 

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3. Natural approach

If you're participating in the mosaic trend or even the overgrown gardening trend, then chemicals might not be the route for you. Luckily other options will avoid too much manual work whilst also keeping harmful chemicals out of your garden completely. 

Fiona suggests a boiling water method, she says, "This age-old method involves pouring boiling water directly onto exposed roots. While effective on surface roots, it might not penetrate deep enough and will need to be repeated on new growth." 

Fan of cleaning with vinegar? Fiona says you can also take the power of white vinegar outside too. We know it's regarded as a natural, cheap weed-killer hack but as it turns out it's also good for treating bamboo roots. 

 "Undiluted white vinegar can dehydrate and kill exposed roots when applied directly. Similar to boiling water, this is a temporary solution and requires consistent follow-up on new shoots," she explains. 

Aside from these two methods, you can also mow the bamboo. Fiona says whilst it's not a root-killing method, persistent mowing of new bamboo shoots can weaken the plant over time. She does say that this strategy works best for small areas and requires diligence to ensure no shoots are missed. 

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FAQs

What damage can bamboo roots do to your garden?

Similar to how leatherjackets in your lawn can quickly damage the entire space, leaving bamboo roots for too long can have quite a destructive outcome. 

"The main problem with bamboo is that the underground rhizomes spread so fast that they can easily get under your property and your neighbour’s," says Andy Ellis, professional gardener and interior designer at Posh UK. 

"This can lead to structural damage as the roots move through the ground and begin to penetrate walls, foundations, and even the floors."

Bamboo rhizomes are underground stems which grow horizontally and produce buds capable of developing into more bamboo shoots. These roots can be particularly stubborn with some cases of them pushing through concrete and asphalt. 

Why is bamboo so hard to get rid of?

Like most invasive plants, bamboo is hard to get rid of for a number of reasons. 

"The extensive root system and rapid growth don’t help, especially since the roots can spread up to 30 feet away from the parent plant," Andy explains. "The worst thing is the fact that bamboo has regenerative abilities."

He points out that even the smallest fragments of rhizomes left in the ground can be used to heal and repair the bamboo which will make it stronger and allow new shoots to appear. 

He explains, "It’s even resistant to most herbicides - making it an absolute beast to try and permanently remove." This is why you'll need to do your research when choosing the chemical removal route, using a herbicide that isn't aggressive enough will only leave you with lacklustre results. 

How can you stop bamboo from coming back?

Luckily there are several ways you can keep the bamboo away once you've finally tackled it. Whether you want to prioritise sustainable garden ideas with more natural solutions or are happy to take the chemical route, Fiona shares some ideas to stop the roots from returning. 

For physical barriers, Fiona says you can either choose between rhizome barriers or trench warfare. She explains, "Rhizome barriers are sheets of heavy-duty plastic or metal installed vertically around the perimeter of your bamboo patch. 

They act as a physical wall, blocking the horizontal growth of rhizomes and preventing them from venturing beyond the designated area. Choose a barrier material with a depth of at least 30 inches (76 cm) to ensure effectiveness." 

Trench warfare on the other hand, "This method involves digging a trench around the bamboo clump, at least 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) deep, and lining it with the same heavy-duty plastic or metal barrier used for above-ground installations. This creates a deep, continuous barrier that effectively hinders both shallow and deep root growth."

Fiona also recommends regular monitoring for new root growth and applying a thick layer of organic mulch around the back of the bamboo plant to suppress the growth of new shoots. 

Should you still be struggling to get rid of your bamboo after trying these expert removal methods, then Fiona recommends consulting a professional. They can help with the manual removal as well as knowing what type of herbicide formulation is needed for your specific species of bamboo.