OSA #n51
. 12/72
HOW TO CONTROL BAMBOO
Compiled by Leland S. Frey, Farm Advisor, Sacramento County, and Clyde L. Elmore,
Extension Weed Control Specialist, Davis.
In the proper setting, ornamental bamboo is useful as a specimen plant, screen or windbreak.
Some species of bamboo are aggressive creepers
and become a rea I nuisance when spreading to
areas where they are not wanted. There is more
than one way to control bamboo. The choice of a
method or the combination of methods depends
on the circumstances under whii:h It is growing.
DIG IT OUT
A large clump of bamboo looks as though it
would be hard to dig out-but it reaHy is not.
Its many horizontal rootstocks or• close to the
surface. All pieces of the shoots and roetstocks
should be removed or regrowthwill occur.
STARVE THE ROOTS
Cutting bamboo shoots close to the ground, then
removing the regrowth each time it reaches 20
to 24 inches in height wi 11 eventually ki 11 established plants. Success with this method depends
on exhausting the food reserves stored in the
roots. The prompt removal of the shoots as they
reach 20 to 24 inches is essential. It wi II have
to be performed many times over a period of a
year or more.
CHEMICAL CONTROL
The length of time required for eradication can
be considerably reduced by using the right chemical in the right way. There are several types
from which to choose:
• Sprays that kill only the foliage they contact,
such as weed oil or cacodylic acid, should be
applied each time the regrowth reaches 20 to
24 inches in height. Weed oi I is avai Iable
under at least two trade names: Richfield
Weed Killer® and Hykil Weed Killer #6®.
Cacodylic acid is avai Iable in many brands
such as NMFW<iil Weed Killer; Scott's Erase®;
and Fr,sh Start Grass and Weed Ki lier®·
These chemicals substitute for the cutting of
the shoots; their application must be repeated
to starve the roots.
• Sprays that are taken up by the leaves, such
as dalapon and amitrole, and carried down to
ki II roots. palapon is avai Iable as Dowpon®,
and should be used at 2% oz. per gallon of
water. Spray the leaves to wet. Amitrole is
available under several trade names including
Amitrole 90® and Amitrole-T® and should be
applied at 5 oz. of the Amitrol-T® per gallon
of water and spray to wet the leaves. Even
with these herbicides, repeated treatments
wi II Q.. necessary to completely eradicate
established plants. To prevent these chemicals from injuring roots of trees and shrubs
in the area, irrigate thoroughly before treating.
Then do not irrigate again for as long as
possible.
• A soil fumigant, like metham, that kills all
roots it contacts, then decomposes and becomes harmless after a few weeks. Metham is
sold as Vapam® and VPM®. To use metham,
holes 8 inches deep should be dug or chopped
every 18 inches into a cluster of bamboo.
Metham should be applied in these holes,
then the holes plugged with soi I. The area
should be thoroughly watered following treatment. Avoid runoff. It is possible to clean
out the bamboo and replant in the treated
area after 3 or 4 weeks.
Note: Metham should not be used where it can
reach plants that are not to be controlled.
®Registered trade name.
ANSWERS
AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
Co-operative Extension work in Agricu!ture ond Home Economics, College of Agriculture, University of California, and United States Department of Agriculture
co.operating. Distributed In furtherance'of the Acts of Congress of May 8, ond June 30, 1914. George B. Alcorn, Director, California Agricultural Extension Service.
,'.:
WARNING ON THE USE OF CHEMICALS
Pesticides are poisonous •. Always. read
and carefully follow all precautions and
safety recommendations given on the container label. Store all chemicals in their
original labeled containers in a locked
cabinet or shed, away from food or feeds.,
and out of the reach of children'.; inesponsible persons, pets, and livestock.,
Confine chemicals to the property being·.
treated. Avoid drift onto neighboring properties, espedally gardens containing
fruits and/or vegetables ready to be
picked.
Thinly spread all leftover spray material
on the soi I where it cannot contaminate
crops or water. (Do not pour down sink or
toHet.} Wrap empty containers i.n newspaper and put in the garbage can. Never
bum pe's:ticide containers.
Th~ U.n.,+,veriif;, of C~\ifor•tb~s Ag.r~ultura:I Ext~siqo 0pro9foms are available to all,
without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.