The endless battle...

[CompactTractorFan]

Here are some pictures:

 

[JEH412]

Oh, man, do those pics bring back memories ... and not necessarily good ones!

Looks like that grove really isn't all that old. In the pics, at least, I don't see any really thick culms. It takes 4-5 years for most to develop to the point where they have culms that will dry hard enough for trellises or much of anything else. Old or not, though, it is certainly well established and thick. Be thankful for that backhoe!

John

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Well, I've been working at it the last couple of days with the backhoe...Seems to do a pretty good job. I'll get pics at some point.

 

[two_bit_score]

Well, I've been working at it the last couple of days with the backhoe...Seems to do a pretty good job. I'll get pics at some point.

Good luck with your quest. Hope it works out well.

 

[Qapla]

We had some stands like that when we moved here 50 years ago.

My dad tried several things without much success. Then, he cut it down to "mound level" (if you notice, it grows in sort of a mound) and built a large fire on the root system. He burned it this way several times.

That has been nearly 40 years ago and it has not come back since.

You have to remember, bamboo is really a grass, not a tree. Treat it accordingly. And, since it grows and spreads from the roots, trying to just kill the tops will not work.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Good luck with your quest. Hope it works out well.

Thanks!!! I'll need it!!! :thumbsup:

 

[eastexan]

You must have a winter hardy variety. I thought it only grew in the Deep South. I'm surprised it grows up your way.

I've seen a lot of places here in East Texas and Louisiana where it runs rampant, and almost impossible to control. Places where it has grown out into the woods, among the trees.

Does the kind of bamboo you have stay green the year round?

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Yep, it is very green and hearty. Nothing kills it...:confused2:

 

[crazyal]

Around here we have Staghorn Sumac. It sounds like it grows in the same way your bamboo does. The best thing I have found is to use the dozer and uproot it then burn it.

 

[JEH412]

You must have a winter hardy variety. I thought it only grew in the Deep South. I'm surprised it grows up your way.

I've seen a lot of places here in East Texas and Louisiana where it runs rampant, and almost impossible to control. Places where it has grown out into the woods, among the trees.

Does the kind of bamboo you have stay green the year round?

There are several varieties that are winter hardy to at least Zone 5-6, perhaps colder. Phyllostachys and Fargesia are considered top hardy to -10F. Even at those temps, the rhizomes -- at least some of them -- will easily survive.

John