There are over 1500 species of bamboo worldwide growing in temperate as well as tropical locations. They range in size from low ground covers to timber bamboos reaching over 70' tall and 7" in diameter. The uses of bamboo are so numerous that an attempt to cover them would fill a book. Briefly, they are used for erosion control because of their dense root structures, for privacy screens, windbreaks, and noise barriers. Many species have edible shoots. Undoubtedly you've seen the stems, or culms, used as garden stakes, fishing poles, and furniture. A visit to many Asian countries would see them used as scaffolding in building some of the largest buildings. They are extremely versatile, being strong yet lightweight, and are an extremely fast growing renewable resource. Some bamboos, under favorable conditions, will grow 2-3' in one day so that you might observe a noticeable height difference from when you first started enjoying a cup of tea until you finish! Typically though, new shoots will attain their maximum height within 4-8 weeks. Bamboo is unusual in that the newest culms are the largest and emerge as a new shoot with its adult diameter. The underground rhizome system by which most of them propagate stores energy and sends up ever-larger shoots. A newly planted young bamboo may take 10 years to reach a point where the new shoots are the maximum size given its location and climate, especially if it is a larger species. The smaller species can reach their maximum size in only a few years.
Location and Planting
In general, the larger species prefer to grow in full sun and the smaller species tolerate or prefer some shade. While they all benefit from light shade and a more protected location when first planted, this is especially true for the smaller species such as Fargesia and Sasas, which will also look their best in shadier spots. Bamboos generally prefer well-drained, moderately acidic loamy soil and, although they should be keep well watered initially, once established they are reasonably drought tolerant. If your soil is very heavy, you can dig in some organic matter and mulch heavily (at least 2 inches) leaving the earthworms to do their work. Note that grass clippings are good organic mulch with high nitrogen and silica content. Bamboo as a forest plant likes mulch and appreciates its old leaves left over its roots and rhizomes to keep the soil moist and nutrients recycled. Fertilizers can be used that are high in nitrogen. Even though some bamboos are aggressive spreaders, they all should be given protection from competitive weeds initially.
Controlling Spread
Several species of bamboo, notably Fargesia, are of the clumping variety and do not need much to control their spread. Others are aggressive spreaders and should be contained. Natural barriers to contain bamboo might include paved areas, building foundations, mowed lawns, and water saturated soils or bodies of water. Also, root competition from trees or an upward slope might slow their spread. The rhizomes of a spreading bamboo can quite deep; using a barrier such as 40 mil 30" wide HDPE (high-density polyethylene) sheeting will help contain them. Another option is to use a recycled plastic barrel with the bottom removed. Generally, the rhizomes are in the top few inches of soil, but if they meet an obstruction they will try to go under it. Soil that is well compacted around the barrier will also help to discourage spreading. The area surrounding the planting should be checked in the late summer and early fall to see if the bamboo has managed to spread, and any rhizomes cut off. Snapping them off at the base as they appear can control unwanted shoots. This may take several years, but the rhizome will eventually weaken and die.
Timing and Winter Protection
It is best to plant bamboo earlier in the season to give it a chance to harden off. If this is not possible, mulch heavily for winter protection from cold and drying winds.
Yellowing and Falling Leaves
Bamboo is evergreen, but in the spring there will be yellowing of leaves and leaf drop followed by new leaves. This is a natural, gradual process and no cause for alarm. In colder climates, some of the leaves may die in the winter, but generally the culms and buds will survive to reappear in the spring. In some cases, a severe winter may kill the culms, but if the bamboo is well mulched the roots will send up new shoots in the spring.
Pruning
Bamboo culms have a life expectancy of about 15 years. Trimming out dead culms can be done at any time. Be careful to make cuts just above a node so as not to leave an unsightly stub and so that water will not collect in the hollow culm. Bamboo can also be cut to form a screen or hedge and should be done after its major growth. When a plant is well established, you can control its height by thinning out some of the newer, and therefore larger culms. You can also remove some of the side shoots to display the remaining culms more attractively.
Pests
Gophers can be one of the more devastating pests, as they will eat the underground rhizome. There are varying reports as to whether deer bother the bamboo. There are also less devastating problems with aphids and mites, but these can be controlled with some attention. In general, bamboo has few pests.
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