When my bamboo look like that it either means seasonal leaf changeout, or that they're not doing well. Bamboo leaves can show various shades of green, depending on the soil and the pH, but yellow - especially in the summer - is not a good sign. I'm assuming you haven't had any soil tests done to know what's deficient...you might consider that. As for your husband peeing by the bamboo...well that's not always helpful. I tried that once many years ago, and killed the plant I was "fertilizing." I'd consider using a slow-release fertilizer, like Osmocote or equivalent, instead. Also, are these bamboo getting enough water during the summer?

Hi Kudzu!

Thank you for the great info, I'll have him stop whizzing on the bamboo. Seeing as all of my bamboo looks pretty darn yellow, I'm thinking maybe they didn't get enough water last summer. Where they are at, it's all pretty dry, and we had a killer drought last year too.
So, like you said, it's probably the drought. I better make sure to water them if we have another one this year. I thought bamboo was indestructible! :)

Thanks a bunch for the info, I'll nix the pee. ;D

Also, do you know what Ph bamboo likes? I did fertilize them with some chicken poo this fall, but I didn't put loads on, so it's not fertilizer burn. Hmm, maybe I should get my husband to poo on the boo. Nah, that would KILL them for sure!

Generally, bamboo can tolerate a wide range of pH, but probably prefer the slightly acid range (6.5-7.0 pH). Many bamboo growers give their plants lots of fertilizer, but I find that once in the spring with a slow release fertilizer is adequate. The most important thing the bamboo need is continuing moisture. It's hard to over-water bamboo; just don't have them in standing water for long periods of time.

I'll have to start watering them then! That would explain why they all look so yellow, even the super hardy ones! Thanks Kudzu! :)