How to Eradicate Bamboo without Toxic Chemicals

When we bought our house 22 years ago, there were several clumps of black bamboo planted in various spots around the property. For 15 years, the clumps sat seemingly well-behaved. On year 16, some of them really took off running and I started to find it coming up far from the original clump.

It quickly grew past my fence into the alley, which potentially could be in the right of way, and I found myself knocking down new growth daily.

I tried to dig it up, but it was like trying to dig in cement. Finally, I contacted a bamboo removal company that quoted me $7,500 and said that I would have to remove my fence and replace it when they were done.

No, thank you!

I did some research and found the following method which has so far worked.

First, I want to mention that it is not chemical free, but it is poison free. The fertilizer and the heat from the sun will burn the bamboo rhizomes. If it can’t photosynthesize, it will die.

I don’t like using any chemicals on my property, but I feel that this fertilizer will just add nitrogen to the soil when it breaks down. The nitrogen will also help the clump of rhizomes decompose.

Good luck!

1. Cut down all bamboo as short as possible.
2. Soak the entire clump with water.
3. Cover clump with a thick layer of a high nitrogen chemical fertilizer.
4. Lightly sprinkle water on the fertilizer taking caution not to wash it away.
5. Cover with thick, clear plastic sheeting and weigh it down with rocks or bricks so that the wind will not catch it.
6. You shouldn’t get any sprouts if you apply the fertilizer heavily enough the first time, but if you do, just peel back the plastic sheeting, cut the new sprouts and add more fertilizer to the area where the sprouts grew.
7. If you see any sprouts outside of the main clump, you can either dig up the runner and cut it off, or just keep the sprouts cut down.
8. Leave the plastic on until you no longer see any sprouts. Depending on the amount of bamboo, this process can take up to three seasons.
9. Once you remove the plastic, you may need to wait a season or two for the nitrogen to dissipate.
10. I recommend testing the area with an expendable plant before planting a valuable one.

Now, on to the next clump!