Barriers vs. Mowing/Manual control

[Michellynn]

I've read a few different opinions on the web about the control of bamboo that expands via runners.

Some have stated that it can be controlled by your usual mowing activities if you are planting in your yard. Others have stated that a barrier in the ground is the only way to really control it. What are your thoughts on this?

To me it makes sense that you would have the ability to control the growth above the surface if you are mowing in the area during the culm growth period. However, I wonder about how much the runners will continue to grow underneath the soil. If the growth above the surface is "lopped" off, will the runners continue to grow further and further away from the original planting even though it is not being "allowed" to grow above the surface.

In other words, I am wonder if the running rhizomes would be able to travel 10'+ away and crowd out the roots of other things.

[ShmuBamboo]

Yes, I have seen runners run 30 feet in one year in ideal mulch. And yes, if you cut/mow the culms to control them, they can and will keep running from the rhizone that you cut the culm off of. The rhizomes typically root and spread further. Then pop up more culms. The network of rhizomes are how the culms get their upright strength.

Of course, where I live, I want more shoots and rhizones. I cut the rhizomes and propogate them in the spring, or wait until the shoots are filled out and cut a section of roots and rhizome with them and transplant them in a pot or in another location. Of course, we have over 100 acres here to grow trees and bamboo and a vineyard and pastures... and well, lots of space.

Rhizome barriers are OK if you get the good fat wide stuff. However, rhizomes can and will grow over and under them, or punch holes through them. Another way is to trench around the plant and fill it in with leaves, and pull the leaves back in the spring and snip the rhizomes that grew last fall before the shoot and spread again.