How to Remove Giant Timber Bamboo & Golden Bamboo
These recommendations are primarily for homeowners and communities that would like to start working in their neighborhood greenspace. For each species we recommend herbicide-free control methods, but have added an herbicide option for some species for those who are comfortable using them. These methods were selected while keeping in mind limiting soil disturbance, reducing herbicide use, and avoiding harm to other species that may be present whether they be other plants/animals. Manual removal is possible for all of them if you have the time. If the infestation is overwhelmingly severe or these tips aren’t proving effective, we suggest you consider qualified professional services.
Giant Timber Bamboo & Golden Bamboo
Bambusa oldhamii – Georgia EPPC Category 2 (moderate problem in Georgia)
Phyllostachys aurea – Georgia EPPC Category 2 (moderate problem in Georgia)
Notice branches are 45 degrees away from the main stem.
Our native bamboo’s branches grow vertically along the stem before draping away.
Cut and Treat
If the tree or shrub cannot be uprooted, the best removal method is cut-and-treat. We suggest using a high concentrate (between 20-50%), glyphosate-based solution and add in an indicator dye to keep track of what has been treated.
Use a hand saw to cut down the tree or shrub. Cut the bamboo stem right above a “knuckle” or node, as close to the ground as possible. The flat section of the knuckle will have the most surface area for uptaking the herbicide.
Spray or paint the cut surface with the herbicide. If you prefer not to use an herbicide (cut-and-leave), know that the stump will die off, but it will resprout nearby and is not the recommended method.
Make weight cut at waist height if necessary.
Cut stem as close to the ground as possible, right above a knuckle.
The stump should be treated with the herbicide within 5 minutes after the cut.
We use 1-liter hand sprayers to apply the herbicide, but it can also be “painted on” using a brush to apply the solution to the cut. Be sure not to get the herbicide anywhere but on the stump you are treating. If the stump is not treated, or is not cut low enough, it will send up new shoots elsewhere.
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“Category” refers to description of invasiveness based on information from the Georgia and North Carolina Exotic Pest Plant Council (EPPC) and do not necessarily reflect the severity of invasions in Atlanta specifically. View our Resource “Atlanta’s Top Invasive Plants (A to Z) Expanded List” for more information.
A great opportunity to learn is volunteering with us at a Forest Restoration project. Please view our Calendar of upcoming service projects or consider enrolling in our annual Forest Stewardship training program. For other species removal, also read: How to Remove Our Top 10 Invasive Plants.
If you have any questions about this guide please email restoration@treesatlanta.org.
