Bamboo containment utilizing a rhizome barrier is an effective method to control and contain bamboo growth along a property line, or to surround bamboo entirely. NJ Bamboo is a national leader in containing bamboo, installing over a mile of rhizome barrier in 2015 throughout NJ, PA, NY and DE.
NJ Bamboo utilizes 30 inch 60 mil HDPE rhizome barrier for most temperate running bamboo species in the North East . The barrier is installed about 27 inches into the ground around the bamboo, or along a property line, leaving a 3 inch lip above the ground to control jumping roots.
But not every property requires the same type of barrier! It’s important to identify the species of bamboo, the soil composition, and any elevation changes around the bamboo. In sandier soils, sometimes its best to use 36″ barrier.
While rare in NJ timber bamboo can have thicker culm diameters which can exhert more force on the barrier. For species like Phyllostachys atroviginata, we sometimes recommend going with 80 mil barrier for extra protection.
