Bamboo: What is it?
Bamboo is part of the grass family but unlike other members of the grass family it rarely seeds or produces flowers. The seeds themselves are difficult to germinate and produce plants therefore the biggest threat comes from the development of the rhizomes.
Bamboo has developed a reputation for being invasive and can be particularly difficult to bring under control when used as an ornamental feature.
Looking at the types of bamboo planted in the UK the plant can be split into two general categories: running and clumping.
Clumping Bamboo
This variety tends to form a big clump that in the main grows vertically and stays confined to the area it was planted in. Clumping bamboo is the recommended type to plant in your garden and is generally well behaved without fear of it spreading and causing problems.
Running Bamboo
If planted and left unchecked running bamboo propagates by sending out underground rhizomes which then produce new shoots across a vast area of your garden or land. The rhizomes can travel up to 30 metres laterally which makes the plant highly invasive and can therefore be a source of dispute between neighboring property and landowners.
What are the risks of Bamboo?
As the rhizomes from running bamboo can travel up to 30 metres and can propagate new plants as it develops it has the potential to infest all neighboring land causing damage to hard surfaces such as asphalt, driveways and patio areas.
Bamboo rhizomes are shallow in depth and are cold hardy meaning they will stay green and leafy down to about zero degrees. There are running varieties that will stay hardy down to -15 or even -20 degrees.
How can Bamboo be controlled?
Attempts to control bamboo via the application of a targeted herbicide tend to fail due to the cell structure of the leaf making it difficult for the herbicides to be effectively transferred to the rhizomes.
This leaves us with three viable options to eradicate and control the problem:
Full Excavation and Eradication
The most effective and instant solution to deal with running bamboo is to excavate and remove all plants and their associated rhizomes.
Using this method all waste material is disposed of in line with our Waste Carriers License and is transferred to a registered landfill site. Invasive Land Remediation have specialist in-house operatives to conduct the works and provide all plant machinery and can install vertical root barrier membranes that prevent any neighbouring issues from re-infecting our client’s property or land.
This process can be completed in as little as 1 or 2 days.
Energy Depletion Control
Using this method, Invasive Land Remediation would look to cut back all visible canes to ground level before the development of a new leaf appears. This helps prevent photosynthesis through their leaves and is repeated for 5 years in the hope that the energy reserves in the rhizomes are sufficiently exhausted so as not to propagate new plants and prevent further spread of the problem.
Whilst this is a cost-effective solution it takes many years to deplete the energy from the rhizomes, but it should be highlighted that it does not prevent neighbouring infestations from developing on your land or property.
Root Barrier Membrane Installation
Some clients may wish to keep the bamboo as an ornamental feature as it offers good screening properties when planted responsibly.
In this instance Invasive Land Remediation can excavate problematic rhizomes from the soil and install a root barrier membrane around the main plants to prevent the spread of the root system.
The plant is effectively contained within a small area with no threat of the rhizomes developing laterally into the garden or into neighbouring land or properties.
Professional & Accredited Bamboo Removal.
We provide nationwide bamboo removal services across the UK, helping homeowners, developers, and commercial clients permanently remove and eradicate invasive bamboo infestations. Our process begins with a site assessment and survey, where one of our experienced specialists will visit your property to identify the type, extent, and spread of the bamboo.
Following the visit, we’ll prepare a comprehensive written proposal and quotation detailing our findings, the recommended removal strategy, waste management approach, and any reinstatement works required. Every proposal is fully documented and tailored to your specific property, ensuring a transparent and effective solution that meets all relevant environmental and legislative requirements.
At Invasive Land Remediation Ltd, we take pride in delivering lasting results. Once excavation is complete, we include two years of post-remediation monitoring as part of our service to ensure there is no regrowth or re-emergence of bamboo. This monitoring phase provides continued assurance that the treatment area remains clear, confirming the long-term success of the excavation and guaranteeing the bamboo does not return.
For added peace of mind, all our bamboo removal works are covered by a 10-year guarantee against regrowth, giving you complete confidence that the issue has been fully resolved and your land restored to its intended use.
Nationwide Solutions
2-Years Monitoring
10-Year Guarantee
Indicative Bamboo Excavation Costs
Bamboo removal costs can vary depending on how established the invasive bamboo is, how far the underground rhizome/root system has spread, and how easy the area is to access and excavate.
To give you confidence from the outset, our indicative bamboo removal prices include everything needed for a thorough, professional solution. This includes suitable operated plant machinery, experienced invasive weed technicians, excavation works, two years of post-excavation monitoring, and a 10-year guarantee, which can be insurance backed where required.
The table below gives a helpful guide to anticipated costs based on the typical time needed at a property and the complexity of the infestation.
| Bamboo Excavation: Typical Project Scope | Indicative Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small Garden Infestation Small bamboo plants contained mainly within a garden border, with limited spread and straightforward access. | 1-2 days | £2,000 – £2,500 + VAT |
| Minor Spread Beyond Original Area Established plants with some encroachment into nearby areas, such as adjacent beds, paving edges, or lawn margins. | 2-3 days | £2,500 – £3,500 + VAT |
| Medium Infestation with Encroachment Medium-level infestation where bamboo has started spreading into lawns, boundaries, or neighbouring areas. | 3-4 days | £3,500 – £5,000 + VAT |
| Established Multi-Area Infestation Multiple bamboo plants developing into unwanted areas, including lawns, boundary lines, and neighbouring property. | 4-5 days | £5,000 – £6,000 + VAT |
| Large or Complex Infestation Larger infestation spreading into multiple areas and potentially affecting more than one neighbouring property. | 5+ days | Subject to survey |
Please note: These prices are indicative only. Every bamboo problem is slightly different, so a site survey is recommended before a fully costed proposal is issued.
Every bamboo problem is slightly different, so we’re always happy to complete a survey for you.
Following the survey, we’ll provide a fully costed proposal for your consideration, clearly setting out the recommended approach and what is included along with details of the 10-year insurance backed guarantees we can provide.