Bamboo can become your worst nightmare here in TN. I have read that people who want to grow it as a screen have had success with large-diameter PVC pipes that have been sawed lengthwise to create a half-round, then glued together with PVC glue (and joints also split in half) to form long, thin trenches. You have to be sure to bury the pipe with the lip of the pipe above ground or the bamboo could jump out of the pipe. Don't forget endcaps, glued on.

Probably you would only need a few shoots - I am sure it would fill the pipe trench in no time.

One of these days I am going to try doing this. I love the look of bamboo, too (plus it's very useful stuff!)

-Regina

Hello Heide:

I planted Golden Bamboo a few yrs. ago as a privacy screen. Yes, it is attractive. BUT!.......

It is extremely invasive. It will send runners in every direction--and yes, it could get 20ft runners, though I have not YET dealt with that.

This will help you...why don't you go to the "Bamboo Forum" and search "invasive bamboo", "golden bamboo" etc., and read some of the threads--you'll get a good education about what to watch out for with "running" bamboo. Some Do's & Don'ts to be aware of.

I have kept it "contained" and growing in the direction I want it to, by either mowing over or hand cutting of the unwanted new shoots that push up through the ground. This is one method you can utilize.

Importantly, we are able to mow the grass on our neighbor's side, where there are certainly bamboo shoots coming up as we speak--and this is about 12ft from the "mother" clump. So, at this point, because WE can eradicate it from their yard, I don't have angry neighbors. I can't assume my neighbors like GB as much as I do!

However, if you want to be very careful, putting in a proper bamboo root barrier or planting it in a container are your best options. But note, even the runners can grow over the top of a barrier.

As far as digging it up, transplanting it, etc., Golden Bamboo is pretty darn indestructable! To help you, please refer to the link I've included. Should answer most of your questions.

I hope this helps you.

Claudia

Here is a link that might be useful: Amer. Bamboo Society--FAQ's

....how fast this stuff grows:

"A picture's worth a thousand words". Maybe these aren't the greatest, but I think you can get the idea.

These shoots are about 2-1/2 weeks old and some are over 6ft tall already
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This shoot is only 3-4 days old

Thanks for the great info, links and pictures :)
We'll be careful about it getting loose :) Into the neighbors yard.My husband always leaves room no matter what we plant so he can mow along the property line.Most everything is four or so feet within the property line.
It looks like it will be an interesting experience.I love the fact its quick.Hopefully it will cut down noise,etc.

I am in Knoxville Tn ...does anyone know where I might be able to get some bamboo starts for free

Obviously no one has much experience with bamboo. Yes, it is the second fastest growing species on earth next to green algae. But not difficult to control. There are two main types of bamboo: clumping and running. Clumping bamboo grow very slowly and grow outward very slowly. Running bamboo grow on a running root from which the new bamboo shoots come up from as a spike. The unwanted spikes (which sprout with the spring rains) can be easily broken under foot or by hand. That node on the runner will never grow there again. Also, the actual running root from which new spikes shoot off of can be terminated and this root will no longer run. It shoots downward usually as a tap root at that point. 6-8 inches deep for the rhizomes to be buried is sufficient for regrowth. Liners can be used to guide the roots but are not needed, neither are extremely hard liners. Bamboo roots are like any other. If they run into no water or a hard path, they will always choose the path of least resistance. Guide a root by turning soil where you want it to go and leaving the rest compact. To easily maintain a thick fenceline of bamboo, dig a trench on either side of the bamboo line to trim roots with hedge trimmers or whatever you please. This should only have to be done once a year in TN. Maybe twice if you have an extremely wet year. Do not over water your bamboo. They don't like their feet wet.

Those who are too afraid of this plant will never reap the benefits of one of the most useful plants on the planet. And the beauty! Gasp! :-p