Can bamboo be grown under control, or is it more trouble than its worth?

I have an open back yard, and I would like to completely block it off from the neighbor(s) houses. Is Bamboo a good idea or a diaster in the making. I plan to grow an area approx. 60 to 70 yards long, and about 10 yards deep.

Can bamboo be grown under control, or is it more trouble than its worth?
If you concrete it in it may be alright, but you'd need a lot of concrete! It can be kept in pots, which may be a better option for you. Some bamboo is clumping, so it won't take over, but you need to be very specific when you go to the garden center to purchase it.

Have you seen the large rectangular cement pots? There quite nice if they have an exposed aggregate finish.

Well good luck, and happy planting!
Reply:Bamboo is great for an area you would like to block off - like from neighbors, sheds, etc. It is alot of work if not done correctly.



Even though all the ideas already listed are correct - like putting in root blockers, planting non-evasive types of plants, etc- but one easier choice is to plant the plants in pots and then plant the pots in the ground.



Now don't get me wrong, eventually there will be a stray, but not like planting them straight in the ground. Also, this planting style is easier if you ever decide to change your mind. Just dig up the pots and since the plants are in the pots already, you've killed two birds with one stone.



Might I suggest that unless you just desire the look and feel of bamboo, you might want to try pampas grass. Several varities grow to be over six feet tal and still have some blockage and interest in the winter months. It does the same trick, is less expensive to purchase upfront and is less stressful.



Whatever you decide - good luck and I'm sure it will look great.
Reply:To control bamboo you have to control the roots!!! Otherwise it takes over the area it's planted in. I would place concrete footers in the ground about 2' deep around the area to be planted, to keep it from spreading. And watch for broken limbs as they can easily take root!!
Reply:I had done some research into bamboo, but be advised I've not grown any outside! There are two kinds: the types with runners, and the clumping types.



The ones that send runners are propagating by sending roots beneath the surface of the soil. They can get pretty unruly pretty quickly. There is the opportunity that they would spread into and overtake your neighbor's yard, they might go ballistic!



The clumpers are much more manageable. You can move them by breaking and replanting the root clump, so you have more control. From all that I read, they get larger each season, but they don't migrate like the runners do.



Someday I'd love to have bamboo, a koi pond with fountain, and each year (3rd season at this house, I am never moving again!) my veggie garden doubles! Can't wait to get started this year!



I'm not sure what growing zone you're in. Check your local yellow pages and see if anyone offers Japanese garden design. If they can't answer your questions, maybe they claim to know what they're doing when they really don't!



However, if they aren't helpful, I'd find a different gardening center! Google the net, you can find a ton of info.



Hope I've been helpful, let us know how it goes!



Kelly

Pocono Mts., PA
Reply:don't do it man, it like grows everywhere, plant tall bush type things to block views, bamboo grows out of controll because it's root can travel underground and popup into a bamboo tree in 1 year
Reply:It WILL take over; only plant it if you really don't care. It is beautiful, but is a disaster in the making in; the opinion of one who made the mistake more than 30 years ago. My dad is still cussing me!
Reply:youhave to have this metal underground border otherwise it will take off in all directions. a friend by my folks has it and.... IMHO it's a pain inthe butt! it gets huge AND the leaves make a real mess!!
Reply:bamboo is very intrusive, however there are non-intrusive varieties, ask your local nursery suppy.
Reply:It will definitely cover the area mentioned. If you don't contain the perimeter with some type of underground barrier, it will become an uncontrollable pain in the butt.
Reply:Clumping Bamboo as opposed to Running Bamboo could be ideal for your situation. Clumping bamboo is smooth and doesn't have the segments that running bamboo does. Make sure you specify what you want before you buy it though, otherwise you won't be able to control the running bamboo.

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