The Pit of Despair

[rtdiggr]

Well one thing to be happy about is you live in the land of sand. Most of what i do is in Clay not so fun.

Shane

 

[TheKid]

On smaller stands glyphosate can be used to kill the bamboo, but there is a trick to it. It's a 2 person job. The first one cuts the culm no more than 6" above the ground. the second one paints the herbicide onto the cut surface. You have 15 seconds max to get the herbicide on, because that's how fast the sap will retreat back into the rhizome.

The the higher the percentage of glyphosate the better. Look for a product that is at least 40%. Roundup concentrate is 18% and the super concentrate is 50%.

 

[intel]

Keep that tractor cleaned and greased the sand is a *****

 

[SamWalton]

I like bamboo; I plan to grow some on out 28 acres. I can see how it can be a problem if grown in the wrong place, like close to a conventional home or structure. I will use it as a natural fence and harvest for other uses. If it gets to thick I guess I can use our B26 backhoe to transplant. The beauty of this great plant is its flexible nature. I would opt to only remove what is truly necessary and live with the rest. You can't beat nature it will always prevail.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Its grass. Just mow it regularly.
larry

 

[santacruzer]

Sam,
Not trying to be a wise guy, but from personal experience, you'll regret that move till your dying day.

Before you do it check with your state's Ag Dept...for your sake and the sake of every land owner around you.

Paul

 

[WayneB]

Wow and I thought Sumac was a major problem sure glad we don't have any neighbors trying to grow bamboo around here. I have been fighting sumac for thirty years and seem to be getting close to being ahead of the fight. It rates right up there with Poison Ivy and all of the stone walls around here have the darn stuff.

Good luck with the bamboo war!

 

[TheKid]

Its grass. Just mow it regularly.
larry

That will give him plenty of seat time since bamboo can grow from .5' to 1.5' a day.

 

[JustGary]

Intel: I grease the tractor every time I use it. You are right, the sand is tough.

Spyderld: Yes, it is grass, but when the "blades" of grass are at least one to two inches across, you still don't have a yard after mowing them. You can't mow them close enough to keep from just creating a bunch of Punji Sticks. Also, when it runs off of your property because you mow it regularly, the neighbors are still mad.

And to SamWalton: You say, "If if gets too thick I guess..." The word is WHEN, and you will do more than guess when you are through. I thought it was cool when I planted it, and it made a great wind and vision screen, but it really does get out of hand. Think very carefully before you plant bamboo. I would not plant it again except in a pot that I know will never touch the ground. Even then I'd still have doubts as to whether it would spread.

Regards,

- Just Gary

 

[SPYDERLK]

Spyderld: Yes, it is grass, but when the "blades" of grass are at least one to two inches across, you still don't have a yard after mowing them. You can't mow them close enough to keep from just creating a bunch of Punji Sticks. Also, when it runs off of your property because you mow it regularly, the neighbors are still mad.
Regards,
- Just Gary

I would just mow around the major stand to contain it as they start coming up and are still small. If I were to directly attack a major stand having large stalks I would go forward thru them with a bushog with dull blades. Thats assuming theyd bend to the blade rather than breaking in some way that would present a tire hazard -- in such case Id scalp them backwards instead. Then Id use a flail mower on them daily for as long as it takes.
larry