Bamboos are divided into two very distinct root patterns: "Running bamboo" and "Clumping Bamboo". Running Bamboos have a rather Imperialistic manner. They send out "rhizomes" - roots - which travel surprising distances and in water-hogging ways. In rainier climates, they can chew through a sidewalk or yet cross under a street, simply because it can. Maintenance of these plants' tendencies has historically involved "root pruning". This implies digging down and find the expanding roots and rhizomes, then cutting them off. To say that this is 'labor intensive' is quite an understatement.
Clumping Bamboos have a far more manageable style. This varieties hold their roots closely without the rampant expansion of the "Running Bamboo". Having said that, they also expand their very structure, growing at a reasonably rapid pace.
All Bamboo - it seems - grow rather rapidly. In the end, true maintenance involving this plant can most easily be accomplished upon planting them.
Root Barriers
Modern technology has provided us with an excellent product for containing these gorgeous plants. Plastic root barriers are now readily available with which to contain the expansive qualities of the more aggressive types and which can reduce root pruning to "never". Set around 24-36" below grade, during the planting process - or retroactively, of course - these plastic containment mechanisms act to prohibit expansion.
The limits, in terms of distances, around which these barriers can act are limitless, since the barriers themselves are segmented and easily attachable by hand. This one can provide a truly wonderful scenario as we watch the expansion take place and halt at out predetermined dimensions. This is real design in action.
The other truly marvellous efficient factor with barriers such as these are that many specialists in this product provide barriers which are also made completely from recycled plastic. As a Green Technology, this is a wonderful development.
Efficient and Green both are a wonderful way to design and build are most gorgeous gardens.
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