Bamboo Removal

Bamboo is often valued for its ability to create natural screens, offering an attractive and decorative appearance that many find appealing. However, its rapid growth has made it notably invasive, often presenting challenges for homeowners seeking to manage it effectively.

The UK Weed Industry has highlighted bamboo as a growing problem for homeowners, whether it has been intentionally planted or has spread unintentionally onto their land. 

With bamboo plants being sold widely online and in garden centres throughout the UK, many homeowners may not fully understand the potential impact on their property or the steps needed for proper management.

Due to its invasive tendencies, bamboo can rapidly spread beyond its designated area, encroaching on neighboring land and in some instances potentially causing structural damage to nearby buildings. Therefore, it is essential to understand the various types of bamboo and their specific characteristics.

Bamboo comes in many varieties, each with its own growth patterns, some more aggressive than others.

Running bamboo is a fast-growing variety that extends its root system underground, potentially reaching up to 30 meters from the original plant. This growth often goes unnoticed, making it particularly insidious. Running bamboo can cause significant damage to buildings and surrounding properties, as it can infiltrate cracked pipes, drains, broken brickwork, walls, and patios.

While there are no specific laws regulating bamboo, landowners and homeowners are protected from potential encroachment issues under public nuisance legislation. If encroachment occurs and is not addressed, legal action may be pursued against the responsible property owner.

Clumping bamboo is generally less invasive than its running counterpart, as its shoots grow close together. The rhizomes of clumping bamboo grow vertically, in contrast to the horizontal growth of running bamboo. Although it is less aggressive, clumping bamboo can still overtake its designated space, overpower neighboring plants, and invade areas meant for other purposes. As it expands, it can cause damage, making early management through containment methods essential.

While running bamboo reaches its mature height rapidly, typically growing between 8 to 10 meters and spreading its roots quickly, clumping bamboo grows to a maximum height of about 5 meters. If left unmanaged, clumping bamboo can still spread significantly over time, growing between 30 to 45 cm taller each year until it reaches its optimal height.

Proper management and early containment are key to preventing both types from becoming a nuisance.

Managing invasive bamboo can be exceptionally challenging, largely due to the limited effectiveness of commonly available herbicides. 

For optimal results, it is highly recommended to engage a professional contractor like C H Enviro Ltd, which possesses the specialized knowledge and expertise necessary for effective management and eradication.

At C H Enviro Ltd, we have thoroughly researched the most effective eradication techniques and concluded that although management with herbicides can be very effective, excavation is the fastest and most reliable method for completely removing bamboo from your property.

C H Enviro Ltd offers comprehensive herbicide management or excavation services tailored for bamboo infestations of all sizes. Our processes include the following:

For the immediate removal of bamboo, particularly when a developer is eager to start construction, excavation and removal becomes a necessary approach. To enhance effectiveness, the most strategic method involves applying herbicides several weeks prior to excavation. This allows the chemicals to penetrate the root system, weakening the plant before removal and killing off any running rhizomes that may have spread unnoticed.

After the excavation and removal of bamboo, regular monitoring of the site is advisable. This vigilance helps detect any potential regrowth, allowing for timely application of herbicides, or a hand tool excavation  if necessary.

While excavation may entail a higher initial cost compared to other methods, it is often the most effective and efficient solution for managing invasive bamboo and enabling a quicker path to construction. 

And for property owners, the fastest way to safeguard their investments while maintaining the integrity of their landscape.

Excavation and removal may not always be an option, therefore we offer tailored herbicide treatment plans. 

Our treatment packages consist of up to 8 herbicide treatments over the course of 4 years to achieve complete eradication.

Typically, this method is less expensive compared to more invasive removal techniques. 

Treatment can be applied directly to the rhizomes, reducing the risk of spreading bamboo to new areas.
This helps mitigate damage to buildings and infrastructure from bamboo growth.

However achieving significant results can take many years, particularly with established culms.

Strategies that rely solely on herbicides require at least two years of monitoring after signs of growth have ceased.

Herbicide treatment is not recommended for areas planned for future construction or soil disturbance.

Ongoing construction cannot take place in areas still affected by bamboo; risks associated with landscaping treated soils, such as possible regrowth, should be communicated to clients.

C H Enviro Ltd offer a 5 year guarantee with all of our Bamboo removal contracts.
Contact us today to find out how we can help.