Replies

1. 
   Isamemon | Dec 13, 2006 03:32am | #1

   bamboo is like builders and spouces

   good ones, bad ones

   those that wonder, those that stay put

   so find out the kind you have, if it is a clumping style that stays put, no problem

   if its a runner, then think about it hard even if the price is right or its good lookin

   what price do you want to pay, what is the good looks worth to you

   a bad one will eat up foundations, sidewalks, slabs, bank accounts

   just like a bad lover, you should say bye.......

   and a good one can be a keeper

   so just saying you have bamboo, is like saying you have a "partner" or a contractor

   good or bad

   what kind do you have, is it worth the battle over the years

   how long will it look this good

   does it interfere with stuff, will it in the future

   need to find out before last call 

   ok so  find out what you got before you "fix it"

   
   

   ---

   Edited 12/12/2006 7:42 pm ET by Isamemon

1. 
   deckbuildingjohn | Dec 14, 2006 07:36pm | #4

   Thanks for the heads up on the behavior of some bamboo. We will do our homework to determine what type of bamboo we have.

   Thanks so much for the helpful information.

    

   best regards,

    

   deckbuildingjohn

2. 
   DaveRicheson | Dec 13, 2006 04:44am | #2

   Like Isamemon says, there are a lot of varieties of bamboo.

   How old is the stand, how large is it, and is it envasive (grows outward each year)?

   I have bamboo, but the variety is kept in check by simple mowing. Other varieties are more difficult to control. A web search will net you a bunch of information on types and control methods.

    

   Dave

1. 
   deckbuildingjohn | Dec 14, 2006 07:40pm | #5

   Thanks for responding to our query about the forces of bamboo.  Our next step is to determine what variety we have.

    

   Thanks again for the helpful information.

   best regards,

   deckbuildingjohn

3. 
   tidal | Dec 13, 2006 08:57am | #3

   Bamboo is an underused, hearty plant to use, but like a scorned lover, it will wreak havock on your existance. I have incorporated bamboo in and around ponds and decks. One thing that is very important with a running bamboo is to contain it. If you take the time to place the heavy plastic barrier around it (24 to 36" down) You will have a good insurance policy on future problems. Don't shortcut by overlapping the barrier and calling it good. Clamp it together because it will find the gap. Another option is a clumping bamboo or placing it in pots. Good luck  

1. 
   deckbuildingjohn | Dec 14, 2006 07:45pm | #6

   Thanks for responding to our query about the nature of bamboo.  We were thinking about an approach to containing it to prevent it from encroaching on the deck's foundation.  Your recommendations are very helpful.

   Thanks for the helpful input. 

    

   best regards,

   deckbuildingjohn

4. 
   fingers | Dec 15, 2006 06:26pm | #7

   Don't know how bamboo roots would affect these, http://www.redifooting.com  but they do work well (and quick because there's no need to wait for concrete to cure).