Bamboo Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to Terra Bamboo’s comprehensive FAQ page. Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about bamboo cultivation, care, and uses. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bamboo enthusiast, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know about growing and managing bamboo.

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About Bamboo Basics

What is bamboo?

Bamboo is not a tree, but rather an evergreen perennial flowering plant and a member of the grass family, Poaceae. Despite its tree-like appearance, bamboo is actually a type of grass that can grow to impressive heights. There are over 1,500 species of bamboo worldwide, each with unique characteristics and growing requirements.

How many species of bamboo are there?

There are over 1,500 species of bamboo found across the globe. These species vary widely in size, growth habits, climate preferences, and uses. From dwarf varieties that grow just a few feet tall to timber bamboos that can reach over 100 feet, there’s a bamboo species suitable for almost any climate and purpose.

Is bamboo a tree or a grass?

Bamboo is a grass, not a tree. It belongs to the Poaceae family, which includes other grasses like wheat, rice, and corn. Despite its woody appearance and ability to grow to tree-like heights, bamboo is botanically classified as a grass. This classification explains many of bamboo’s unique characteristics, including its rapid growth rate and ability to regenerate from rhizomes.

Types of Bamboo: Clumping vs Running

What’s the difference between clumping and running bamboo?

Running bamboo has a distinctly different root (rhizome) system than clumping bamboos. Running bamboos have tendrilous, outward-spreading rhizomes from which new canes emerge once a year. They can spread rapidly and usually require an installation of root barrier if planting in the ground to prevent unwanted spread.

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Clumping bamboos expand in a cylindrical manner, creating a tight grove that stays in one place. The species that thrive in various regions (Fargesia, Borinda, Chusquea, Yushania) form dense clumps of thin canes and create a dense screen. Clumping bamboos are more predictable and manageable, making them ideal for residential landscaping.

Are all bamboos invasive?

The stigma of invasive bamboo has become widespread, but it’s important to understand that not all bamboos are invasive. There are actually two types of bamboos: clumping and running.

A clumping bamboo will grow only a few inches wider each year, making it predictable and controllable. As the name suggests, it forms a “clump” of bamboo. Running bamboo grows long distances underground before shooting up and can take over a lawn and the neighbor’s lawn if not properly contained. Running bamboo spreads unpredictably and creates a grove or forest of bamboo if not managed.

Do clumping bamboos require a root barrier to keep them from spreading?

Generally, no, but they do prefer upwards to 8+ feet of diameter to reach their full height and potential. A root barrier can be considered in tight spaces to line and/or protect property lines and sensitive locations. However, enclosing clumping bamboo in root barrier is best avoided as it creates a compacted and difficult to extract grove.

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Clumping bamboos have a compact root system that produces a tight, cylindrical grove of canes. Most suitable varieties that thrive in various regions (especially Fargesia and Borinda) are easy to manage with semi-annual cane pruning. A simple wooden garden box or raised mound can further help localize the grove.

Does bamboo spread and become invasive?

Running bamboos can spread and become invasive. Forethought, preparation, and light maintenance are required to grow them successfully. Clumping bamboos are more predictable, but also require forethought and care near property lines and tight spaces. With proper planning and containment strategies, both types can be managed effectively.

Bamboo Growth and Development

How fast does bamboo grow?

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. During the first year, bamboo can grow up to 80 feet, depending on the species. Tropical clumping bamboo can reach its mature height within 3-5 years, given optimal growing conditions including adequate water, good drainage, and lots of sun. Tropical bamboo plants grown in shadier areas may not achieve maximum height or density.

Harvesting bamboo can begin during the fourth year and then continue annually, removing 20% of the tree without affecting the environment or the continued growth of the bamboo. This results in bamboo being much more efficient than other trees which take up to a decade to harvest.

How tall will my bamboo get?

This depends on the variety, planting area size, and growing conditions. Timber bamboos have 35-foot potential given a large enough area and years to develop. Most midsize varieties reach 15-20 feet in residential plantings, which is usually plenty tall enough for 1-2 story screening. Dwarf varieties can grow 6-8 feet and usually look best cut back each winter.

When is the best time to plant bamboo?

Bamboo can be planted year-round in many regions, but the best times are fall and spring when the soil stays moist and temperatures are mild.

Fall/Spring: Ideal times to plant. This is when bamboo invests energy in the rhizomes which spread and create new canes.

Summer: Can be a delicate time to plant as new shoots are fragile, but certainly possible. Attentive watering and partial shade for most varieties is necessary.

Winter: Bamboo can be planted in winter, but requires extra care to protect from frost and ensure adequate moisture. At Terra Bamboo, we specialize in varieties that thrive in the southeastern United States and are happy to recommend the right species for your timing and soil conditions.

Bamboo Care and Maintenance

Does bamboo keep its leaves in the winter?

Yes, many species of bamboo are cold hardy and evergreen throughout winter in temperate regions, making bamboo an ideal choice for year-round privacy. All varieties of Phyllostachys and Fargesia bamboo (among others) retain their green leaves well below freezing and endure maritime weather, frost, and snow.

Many varieties of bamboo will drop the newest leaves produced too late in the season. A peppering of yellow leaves is normal. Bamboo is generally maintenance free during the winter. Cutting the tops off any canes that droop in the rain will help keep them upright.

Can I grow bamboo in planters or containers?

Definitely. Container grown bamboo can be a smart way to add privacy and beauty to the patio or landscape. An extra bit of care is required: consistent watering, annual pruning, and occasional fertilizer are required to keep it lush and green.

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Bamboo Collective and Terra Bamboo offer expert advice on container sizes, soils, and can supply the best species for your needs. Container bamboo is an excellent option for those with limited space or who want to control the spread of running varieties.

What care does bamboo require?

Bamboo is relatively low-maintenance once established, but proper care ensures healthy growth:

Watering: Bamboo requires consistent moisture, especially during the first year. Established plants are more drought-tolerant but benefit from regular watering during dry periods.
Fertilizing: Unlike many trees, bamboo typically does not require pesticides or fertilizer when grown correctly. Some varieties may benefit from occasional fertilization, but it’s not always necessary.
Pruning: Annual or semi-annual pruning helps maintain shape and remove dead canes. This is especially important for container-grown bamboo.
Containment: Running bamboos require root barriers or regular rhizome pruning to prevent unwanted spread.

Bamboo for Privacy and Landscaping

What types of bamboo grow best for privacy screening?

For privacy screening, you’ll want varieties that are hardy, attractive, and provide dense coverage. The best types of bamboo for privacy screening in terms of hardiness, attractiveness, and overall function are Phyllostachys (running bamboos) and Fargesia (clumping bamboos).

Phyllostachys is a running form and includes mid-size and timber varieties often conjured when one imagines bamboo. Ph. aurea and aureocaulis are among popular container varieties for dense screening. Taller varieties like Ph. vivax and dulcis are capable of screening out a three-story house. Running bamboos require some foresight, planning, and containment strategy before planting them.

Clumping bamboos can be a great option for dense, green privacy and/or unique feature plants. They have a different root system with gradual, predictable spread. Fargesia robusta, scabrida, jiuzhaigou, and rufa are each attractive, hardy, and popular options in descending order of uprightness and height.

How effective is bamboo for privacy screening?

Bamboo is highly effective for privacy screening due to its dense foliage and rapid growth. Many species maintain their leaves year-round, providing continuous privacy throughout all seasons. The height and density of bamboo make it an excellent natural alternative to fences or walls, while also providing aesthetic beauty and environmental benefits.

Bamboo Uses and Applications

What are the uses for bamboo?

There are many hundreds of items that bamboo can be used for. A few examples include:

Construction and Building Materials: Bamboo poles are used for scaffolding, flooring, paneling, and structural elements in buildings.
Furniture and Decor: Bamboo is crafted into furniture, baskets, decorative items, and home accessories.
Textiles and Clothing: Bamboo fiber is processed into soft, breathable fabrics for clothing and textiles.
Food and Culinary: Bamboo shoots are edible and used in various cuisines. The plant also provides habitat for food production.
Paper and Pulp: Bamboo pulp is used in paper manufacturing.
Charcoal and Fuel: Bamboo charcoal is produced for cooking, water filtration, and industrial uses.
Musical Instruments: Bamboo is used to make flutes, drums, and other traditional instruments.
Agricultural Tools: Traditional farming implements and tools are made from bamboo.
Landscaping and Gardening: Living bamboo provides privacy screens, windbreaks, and aesthetic beauty.

Can bamboo be used for construction?

Yes, bamboo is an excellent construction material. Timber bamboo varieties can be used for structural purposes, flooring, paneling, and more. Bamboo’s strength-to-weight ratio is comparable to steel, and it’s more flexible than many hardwoods. Properly treated bamboo can last for decades in construction applications.

Is bamboo charcoal useful?

Yes, bamboo charcoal has numerous applications. It’s used for water filtration, air purification, cooking fuel, and soil amendment. Bamboo charcoal is highly porous and has excellent absorption properties, making it valuable for environmental and health applications.

Environmental Benefits of Bamboo

What are the environmental benefits of bamboo?

Bamboo offers significant environmental advantages over traditional trees:

Carbon Sequestration

Bamboo has a high rate of carbon sequestration. Moso Bamboo takes in up to 56 tonnes of carbon per hectare annually. This is almost 5 times as much as Eucalyptus, which will sequester around 10 tonnes of CO²/ha per year. When chopped down, Eucalyptus only retains about 30% of that carbon, while bamboo stores up to 90% of the carbon it has sequestered and may be retained for decades depending on the life span of the product it is used for. Bamboo also generates up to 35% more oxygen than trees during the process of photosynthesis.

Growth Rate and Harvest Efficiency

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants. During the first year, bamboo can grow up to 80 feet. Harvesting can begin during the fourth year and then continue annually, removing 20% of the grove without affecting the environment or continued growth. This results in bamboo being much more efficient than other trees which take up to a decade to harvest.

Fertilizers and Pesticides

Unlike other trees that can be devastated by insects and weeds, properly grown bamboo does not require pesticides or fertilizer. Some pesticides used on non-bamboo trees, like Alpha-Cypermethrin, are known to be toxic to fish. Because bamboo, when grown correctly, does not harm the environment, it is much preferable to many other tree options.

Bamboo and Pets

Is bamboo toxic to cats and dogs?

It’s not unusual for dogs and cats to nip and chew some bamboo leaves off the branch. Bamboo is a grass and likely triggers the same foraging instinct for digestive aid or curiosity. It is labeled non-toxic by the ASPCA and generally not an issue with pets.

Bamboo canes, while non-poisonous, are less than ideal chew toys as they shred and splinter into potential choke hazards. Bamboo can be shredded and used as supplemental fodder for pack animals. Bamboo shoots are edible and have sugars that squirrels and rabbits can sniff out and eat.

Important Note: Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana of the asparagus family), often confused with real bamboo, is in fact mildly poisonous to pets. Always ensure you’re working with true bamboo species when planting in areas accessible to pets.

Bamboo Economics and Sustainability

Is bamboo a profitable crop?

Bamboo is not a get-rich-quick concept. It takes over half a decade to develop a tangible grove enough to enter the market. The logic of growing bamboo plantation-style stands up well against other commonly subsidized long-term crops in the Southern US, such as pine trees.

With all its advantages, bamboo is at a disadvantage in terms of the lack of subsidies and lobbyists which prop up “conventional” crops such as cotton and pine trees. Tests at Auburn University comparing bamboo production to pine production began in the 1930s and continued through the 1960s. Although the research was unfortunately discontinued for reasons not entirely clear, results show that bamboo greatly out-produces loblolly pine in terms of dry wood tonnage per acre.

Compared to pine, bamboo can be harvested annually after a decade. This is ten to fifteen years sooner than pine. As well, unlike pine, bamboo does not require replanting after thirty years. One of the primary benefits of the efficiency of bamboo over pine is that bamboo can be harvested annually as opposed to pine which can only be harvested every five years.

Bamboo Selection and Purchasing

What types of bamboo do you sell?

At Terra Bamboo, we stock a top selection of running and clump-forming bamboos that are suitable for the southeastern United States. We curate the top choice varieties suitable for residential screening, gardening, and commercial applications. If a specific variety is not on hand, most varieties can be sourced to meet your needs.

Do you sell running bamboo?

Yes, Terra Bamboo offers both running and clumping bamboo varieties. We provide expert guidance on containment strategies and can help you choose the right type for your specific needs and location. Running bamboos are excellent for larger areas where containment is manageable, while clumping varieties are ideal for smaller spaces and residential applications.

What sizes of bamboo plants do you sell?

We sell an assortment of sizes of the top choice running and clumping bamboos. We curate varieties suitable for residential screening and gardening. Check out our selection of bamboos and feel free to inquire about specific sizes and varieties that would work best for your project.

Bamboo Services and Support

Do you offer planting services?

We work with the best local specialists, each experienced, talented, and licensed in their craft. We can provide referrals for barrier installation, box construction, grove maintenance, and removal. Terra Bamboo is here to help you strategize and employ the best method to successfully establish and maintain your bamboo grove.

Do you offer delivery?

Yes, we offer local delivery to surrounding areas. Contact us for delivery options and pricing based on your location and order size.

Do you ship bamboo?

Shipping policies vary by nursery. Some nurseries currently do not ship bamboo due to the delicate nature of the plants and shipping challenges. Contact Terra Bamboo directly to inquire about shipping options for your area.

What is your return policy? Is there a plant guarantee?

We take pride in our bamboo for sale and ensure it to be vibrant and healthy upon purchase. Plants can typically be returned for full refund up to two weeks after sale. Please contact us if your bamboo isn’t thriving. Chances are high we can help remedy the problem. We’re committed to your success with bamboo and are here to provide ongoing support.

Bamboo in Different Climates

What types of bamboo grow best in different climates?

Bamboo species vary in their climate preferences. Mild, coastal climates are ideal for many hardy bamboo species that stay lush and green year-round. The best types of bamboo for various regions in terms of hardiness, attractiveness, and overall function include Phyllostachys (running bamboos) and Fargesia (clumping bamboos) for temperate regions.

For tropical and subtropical regions, clumping bamboos like Bambusa and Dendrocalamus species thrive. At Terra Bamboo, we specialize in varieties that thrive in the southeastern United States and can recommend the right species for your specific climate, timing, and soil conditions.

Common Bamboo Concerns

Will bamboo damage my property?

With proper planning and containment, bamboo will not damage your property. Running bamboos require root barriers or regular maintenance to prevent unwanted spread. Clumping bamboos are naturally more contained but should still be planted with consideration for property lines and structures. We’re here to help you choose the right variety and containment strategy for your situation.

How do I control bamboo spread?

Controlling bamboo spread depends on the type you’re growing. Running bamboos require root barriers installed at least 30 inches deep, or regular rhizome pruning. Clumping bamboos naturally stay contained but may benefit from occasional pruning of outer canes. Container growing is another excellent option for complete control.

What if my bamboo isn’t growing well?

If your bamboo isn’t thriving, several factors could be at play:

Watering: Ensure consistent moisture, especially during the first year
Sunlight: Most bamboos prefer full to partial sun
Drainage: Bamboo needs well-draining soil
Space: Ensure adequate room for root development
Variety Selection: Make sure the species is suitable for your climate

Please contact us if your bamboo isn’t thriving. Chances are high we can help remedy the problem with specific advice tailored to your situation.

Bamboo Harvesting and Production

When can I start harvesting bamboo?

Harvesting bamboo can begin during the fourth year and then continue annually, removing 20% of the grove without affecting the environment or the continued growth of the bamboo. This sustainable harvesting approach allows the grove to continue thriving while providing a renewable resource.

How is bamboo processed for different uses?

Bamboo processing varies depending on the intended use:

Construction: Bamboo poles are treated, dried, and sometimes laminated for structural use
Charcoal: Bamboo is carbonized at high temperatures to produce charcoal
Fiber: Bamboo is pulped and processed into textile fibers
Food: Young bamboo shoots are harvested and processed for culinary use
Paper: Bamboo pulp is processed similar to wood pulp for paper production

Getting Started with Bamboo

I’m new to bamboo. Where should I start?

If you’re new to bamboo, start by:

Research: Learn about clumping vs. running bamboo and which suits your needs
Space Assessment: Determine how much space you have and what you want to achieve
Climate Consideration: Research which species thrive in your specific climate
Consultation: Reach out to bamboo specialists for personalized recommendations
Start Small: Consider starting with container-grown bamboo to learn before planting in the ground

At Terra Bamboo, we welcome beginners and are here to help guide you through the process. Anyone interested, from beginner to avid collector, is encouraged to reach out with questions.

Contact Terra Bamboo

Have more questions? We’re here to help! Terra Bamboo aims to be the bamboo plantation, management, and distribution provider of choice across the southeastern United States. We have an ongoing commitment to innovation and technology-driven standards.

Visit our Contact page to reach out with specific questions about bamboo selection, care, or services. Our team of experts is ready to assist you with all your bamboo needs.

Whether you’re looking for privacy screening, sustainable building materials, or simply want to add the beauty of bamboo to your landscape, Terra Bamboo is your trusted partner in bamboo cultivation and management.