How to remove old clumping bamboo roots from an established grove (20yrs +)

[danomano]

Hello,

I moved into a new home with clumping bamboo all around the perimeter of the backyard about 4 years ago. There are what looks like Timber bamboo (2-3.5" culms) and Alphonse Carr (3/4"-1.5" culms).

In certain areas, where many culms have been cut out over the years, is filled with roots and stubs, which is obviously preventing new growth from being able to regrow in those areas (leaving gaps in the privacy fence), and forcing them to continue to grow outwards, either towards the path or back fence.

I'm wondering if I'll need to physically cut out those sections of "old dead", replace with dirt/compost, and if that will naturally redirect the bamboo growth to those areas.

Similarly in other areas without this same problem, where they are growing too close to the fence or into the path, if simply cutting the new shoots as they start to appear in the path or fence line, would redirect their growth elsewhere. Or if I should be doing something else to help redirect the growth towards the main clump or open areas of soil. Any advise or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
D

[needmore]

I think you have the right idea that if you cut out all that old put in fresh dirt, I would think that they would start to move into that dirt and that’s probably the answer for moving away from pathways and stuff to give them a better spot to move into

[dependable]

Agree that cutting out and adding fresh soil is a good way to go. On smaller bamboos like Fargesea I have used a sawsall with a long demo blade. With bigger groves a chain trencher works well, either way it is easier if the culms are cut down first, of course. If one uses a small machine like a mini loader with pallet forks to lift out the parts to be removed, it is not even that labor intensive.