Running Bamboo

Running Bamboo: Benefits, Risks, and Responsible Use

Running bamboo is known for its ability to create tall, dense screening quickly over large areas. Unlike clumping bamboo, running bamboo spreads through an underground root system called rhizomes, allowing it to fill space efficiently using relatively few parent plants.

When properly planned and responsibly contained, running bamboo can form impressive privacy hedges and green screens. However, without the correct installation methods and long-term management, running bamboo can spread beyond its intended area and become difficult to control.

Ordinances can vary widely from state to state and even town to town.  But there are also ordinances that are non bamboo specific that can also apply.  It’s important to use a company familiar with bamboo and bamboo restrictions to ensure your properly is in full compliance.

Why Running Bamboo Grows So Aggressively

Running bamboo spreads laterally through rhizomes that travel underground before sending up new shoots. This growth habit is what makes it effective for fast screening — and also what makes it risky when installed without proper containment.

Rhizomes can extend well beyond visible growth, especially in open soil, mulched areas, or along property edges. Once established, unmanaged running bamboo can spread into neighboring properties, planting beds, and wooded areas, often leading to disputes or ordinance violations.

Understanding this underground behavior is critical before considering running bamboo for any landscape application.

When Running Bamboo Can Be an Appropriate Choice

Running bamboo is only appropriate in specific site conditions.

It should be planted in open areas that are clear of mature trees, underground utilities, foundations, fence lines, and large subsurface rock formations. The soil must allow for uninterrupted excavation so that a continuous, heavy-duty rhizome barrier can be installed correctly.

Partial containment, shallow barriers, or informal edging are not sufficient. Running bamboo must be fully encapsulated within a professionally installed rhizome barrier system to prevent long-term spread.

Because of these requirements, NJ Bamboo Landscaping only works with running bamboo when containment is feasible and the homeowner is fully informed about ongoing maintenance responsibilities.

Education and Long-Term Maintenance Are Essential

Even with proper containment, running bamboo is not maintenance-free. Barrier edges must be inspected regularly, new growth must be monitored, and any rhizomes attempting to escape containment must be addressed early.

Homeowners considering running bamboo must be willing to actively manage the planting over time. As part of any consultation, we ensure clients understand how running bamboo grows, how containment systems function, and what long-term care involves.

Running Bamboo and Local Regulations

Many municipalities now regulate or restrict running bamboo due to its invasive nature. While some towns prohibit new plantings outright, others allow bamboo under strict guidelines related to containment, setbacks, and maintenance.

An ordinance does not always mean bamboo is completely banned, but it does mean homeowners must comply with specific requirements. NJ Bamboo Landscaping can help homeowners understand local regulations and, when necessary, assist with permit applications for responsibly contained bamboo installations.

When Running Bamboo Is Not the Right Solution

In many cases, running bamboo is simply not appropriate — particularly on smaller properties, near shared boundaries, or where excavation access is limited. Attempting to install running bamboo in these situations often creates future problems rather than solving privacy concerns.

We frequently work with homeowners who inherited running bamboo from previous owners or had it planted years ago before regulations were in place. In these cases, professional containment or complete removal is often the most effective long-term solution.

Professional Bamboo Consultation, Containment, and Removal

NJ Bamboo Landscaping specializes exclusively in bamboo. While we no longer promote widespread installation of running bamboo, we do provide expert evaluations to determine whether bamboo is appropriate, whether containment is feasible, or whether removal is the best option.

Our role is to provide honest, experience-based guidance — not to sell bamboo at the expense of long-term outcomes.

If you are considering running bamboo or are dealing with an existing planting, contact us for a professional evaluation to understand your options and responsibilities before moving forward.

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