Bamboo can be a beautiful plant in the right conditions. But unfortunately, it’s also highly invasive. It can smother other desirable plants and quickly overtake a yard if you let it.

It’s not as simple as using the best weed killer for bamboo in the UK, either. This woody species is resilient against the common solutions. The same ivy killer or nettle killer will likely fall short against bamboo.

Don’t worry, though. If you want to learn how to get rid of bamboo permanently you’ve come to the right place. You’ll need to roll up your sleeves and put a bit of work in as manual removal is the best way to prevent this plant from returning, but there are other methods as well.

If you want to learn how to kill bamboo quickly, you can try our weed killer here at Jennychem. It’s simple to use, powerful against most weeds and moss, and because it’s an acetic acid weed killer, you don’t have to worry about environmental damage or toxicity once it dries!

The Basics of Bamboo

Bamboo is a fast-growing, hardy plant from the grass family. You probably envision tall, hollow stems when thinking of bamboo, and may even think of Asia. But bamboo grows just as prominently here in the UK as well - for better or worse.

While it can certainly be a beautiful plant that provides a natural privacy screen, ornamental beauty, and even erosion control, it also has a very dense root system. This poses a problem for anyone wondering how to get rid of bamboo roots.

There are two main types of bamboo. The first is clumping bamboo, which grows in tight clusters as the name suggests. The other is a bit more problematic: running bamboo. As this name implies, it runs rapidly underground with rhizomes that spread lightning fast.

That being said, a bit of bamboo in your yard may not be a bad thing as it can bring a unique charm to your property. So should you really learn how to kill bamboo roots or let them thrive?

Should You Get Rid of Bamboo or Simply Control it?

Only you can determine if bamboo belongs in your yard or not - but if it’s just popped up seemingly out of nowhere, you might not be sold one way or the other yet. While it can be a desirable plant in some circumstances, it can wreak havoc in others.

The main issue is the damage it can cause. More specifically, the damage its roots can cause. Bamboo has penetrated foundations, disrupted paving, damaged underground pipes, and even made its way into neighbouring properties before homeowners even know what’s happening.

This pesky plant can quickly lead to costly repairs, or in some cases, legal disputes. That’s not to mention the way in which it outcompetes native plants and disturbs biodiversity.

Now, learning how to get rid of bamboo permanently is one option - and it may be the right one. But you can also take a more conservative approach and simply control it using barriers. 

This way you still get the privacy benefits it brings to your yard, or its unmistakable charm, without the downside. But if bamboo has breached boundaries or shows signs of damaging infrastructure, the only viable option is learning how to kill bamboo.

So, what’s the best weed killer for bamboo UK property owners have at their disposal?

What is the Best Weed Killer for Bamboo UK?

As we said from the start tether your expectations as far as using the best weed killer for bamboo goes. Most of the time manual removal is the only way to permanently kill bamboo.

Even the strongest weed killer that kills everything is designed for broadleaf or shallow-rooted weeds. This isn’t going to cut it against a plant like bamboo with such a dense rhizome network. 

Suppose you do manage to kill bamboo off to some extent. That underground root system quickly regenerates. Plus, bamboo has waxy leaves that naturally repel sprays.

Glyphosate-based sprays may scorch the leaves but won’t stop regrowth from the roots unless applied repeatedly and precisely. So, what kills bamboo?

Key Ingredients That Can Kill Bamboo 

If you still want to try chemical measures for killing bamboo, there are a few herbicidal ingredients that gardeners have reported success with. These include:

• Glyphosate: A powerful, non-selective herbicide that travels from leaves to roots and disrupts plant growth. Concentrations of 360g/l or higher are more effective on bamboo, but multiple applications are still going to be necessary most of the time.
• Triclopyr: Especially effective on woody plants so it’s a great choice for bamboo control. It targets tough stems and roots. Apply it to freshly cut canes or directly to exposed rhizomes for best results.
• Imazapyr: A potent soil-active herbicide that prevents root regrowth. The catch is that it stays behind in the soil for quite some time and must be used carefully to avoid affecting nearby plants.
• Acetic acid: This is the primary compound in vinegar and a popular homemade weed killer. It disrupts the plant’s cellular structure, drying out foliage and penetrating root systems. Similar to glyphosate, though, high concentrations are necessary.

Always do your due diligence into any product to make sure it’s not just effective against an invasive species like bamboo, but that you’re not going to cause more harm than good to your yard. That being said, what’s the best weed killer for bamboo UK?

Best Weed Killer for Bamboo UK 

Whether you’re wondering what kills brambles permanently or you’re seeking out a ground elder killer, you can’t beat the gentle yet powerful nature of Weedex Super, available here at Jennychem. 

Its concentrated acetic acid formula kills foliage on contact and it can be applied as a root drench to do the same to bamboo’s root system. Thousands of gardeners across the UK have seen great success using it, and you can too.

If you’re worried about weed killer and dogs or cats, you’ll love how Weedex is non-toxic once it dries. You can control your weeds without stressing about harming wildlife or pets.

Plus, Weedex is backed by a satisfaction guarantee. If it doesn’t restore your garden’s beauty just let us know and we’ll send you your money back. Get the best weed killer for bamboo now!

Application Tips for Maximum Effectiveness

Even with the best bamboo killer you need to understand how to use it correctly to make the most if it. So what is the best time to spray weed killer? Wait for a calm, dry day with no rain or wind in the forecast. Then, follow these tips:

• Cut and Apply: Trim bamboo stalks close to the ground to expose fresh cuts, then apply Weedex Super directly to these areas for maximum penetration. We recommend applying the product neat as is.
• Reapply as Needed: Bamboo is resilient, so don’t be surprised if it takes multiple applications to get a hold of more mature infestations.
• Target the Rhizomes: Dig slightly to expose parts of the rhizome system and apply the product directly to the roots, as this system is what makes bamboo so tough to manage.

Now, how long does weed killer take to show results? Wilting takes effect in many species almost immediately. But with bamboo, expect a bit slower progress. You’ll likely need multiple treatments to successfully control bamboo.

The truth is, you’ll probably need to take more intensive measures to control this plant. Let’s talk about how to kill bamboo without a weed killer.

How to Kill Bamboo Without Spraying Anything

Just like with what kills dandelions naturally, there are plenty of ways to overcome a bamboo infestation without chemical intervention. As long as you don’t mind rolling up your sleeves and doing a bit of manual labour, here’s how to get rid of bamboo permanently.

Manual Removal Techniques

The most effective way to kill bamboo is to pull it out of the ground, ideally, with the entire root system intact. Start by cutting the bamboo stalks as close to the ground as possible using loppers or a saw. 

Then, you can dig around the base to expose the rhizomes - the underground stems that empower bamboo to spread so aggressively. Use a spade or mattock to sever and remove as much of the rhizome system as possible. 

The key is to leave behind as little evidence of bamboo as possible. Even tiny rhizome fragments can regenerate new shoots. 

You may need to return to the site to inspect and remove any new growth on a regular basis. This will exhaust the plant's energy reserves over time. It may take a few weekend digging sessions, but eventually, the bamboo will meet its end.

Soil Solarisation Method

This approach uses the sun’s heat to kill bamboo roots and rhizomes. After cutting the bamboo down to ground level, cover the affected area with a thick, clear plastic sheet. Secure the edges with heavy objects to trap heat and moisture. 

Simply leave the plastic in place for at least 6-8 weeks during the hottest months to maximise the temperature beneath. You’re basically “cooking” the rhizomes. As you can imagine, this method works best in areas with full sun exposure during summer.

Boiling Water Method

If the sun isn’t a viable option for burning bamboo alive, bring boiling water to the fight! You’ll follow the same approach of cutting the stalks down to ground level, but this time, you’ll pour a pot of boiling water directly onto the exposed roots and rhizomes.

This will damage the plant’s cellular structure and cause slow but certain death. Similar to manually removal or bamboo herbicide application, it might take more than one attempt to completely remove the bamboo, especially for deep or extensive root systems.

It should go without saying, but be very careful transporting boiling water from your kitchen to your yard. Better yet, use an outdoor camping stove setup right next to the bamboo outbreak to streamline this process.  

Smothering With Mulch or Tarps

Just as bamboo smothers other plants, you can smother the bamboo itself using mulch or tarps. After all, the plant needs sunlight to photosynthesise and grow. Take that away and it will gradually start to die.

After cutting the bamboo to the ground, cover the area with thick layers of mulch (such as wood chips) or a heavy-duty tarp. Be sure to cover beyond the bamboo’s perimeter to prevent shoots from popping up outside the controlled area. 

Add weights to secure the tarp or maintain mulch thickness. It won’t happen overnight, but within weeks or months any remaining rhizomes will die off.

Preventing Bamboo From Coming Back

Learning how to get rid of bamboo permanently involves a fair bit of preventative maintenance in your yard. In considering how much work it takes to kill bamboo, it’s worth a bit of effort every now and then to keep it from coming back.

The best thing you can do is install a physical root barrier at least 60-90 cm deep around the area to prevent underground spread. We also recommend you periodically disturb the soil to expose and remove any lingering rhizome fragments.

Our blog has additional resources on what kills weeds permanently, including using rock salt for weeds or the best weed killer for driveways. But at this point, it’s time for you to get to work as we wrap up our guide on how to kill bamboo roots.

Final Words on How to Get Rid of Bamboo Permanently

That does it for our guide on the best weed killer for bamboo UK gardeners have at their disposal. Bamboo may be a beautiful plant, but its aggressive growth can quickly turn it into a nuisance. Fortunately, you now know how to get rid of bamboo permanently.

Whether you choose manual removal, non-chemical methods, or rely on a potent weed killer like Weedex Super, persistence is key to eradicating bamboo for good. It’s rare to kill this resilient plant on the first attempt.

Set yourself up for success in controlling bamboo with our solutions at Jennychem. Take control of your garden with Weedex Super, the trusted choice for battling stubborn bamboo in the UK!