City Arborist sounds the alarm on bamboo’s impact in Huntsville

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — It’s the landscaping choice that can quickly turn from an asset to an adversary. While bamboo is popular for its fast growth and dense coverage, it’s causing significant headaches for homeowners and the City of Huntsville.

According to City Arborist Marc Byers, “There are just so many challenges in controlling it in the way that it spreads,” he said. “If you lived next to someone who had bamboo on their property, you would be pulling your hair out. The roots (technically rhizomes) spread underground and start popping up out of the ground like something out of an alien movie.”

While bamboo is often chosen for its attractive look and ability to create temporary screens, its rapid growth and ability to invade neighboring properties make it a problem for many. Byers explained that once bamboo starts spreading, it’s difficult to control. “People are reluctant to spray, and it is difficult to control by mowing because it is so fast-growing and woody. Also, if you have preexisting landscaping or structures, excavating it is virtually impossible without destroying the root systems of the landscaping. So you’ve got this invader coming from your neighbor’s yard that you can’t control effectively.”…

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