I have 3 large bamboo plants to remove.
They are about 15 foot high and about 6 metres in circumference, obviously well rooted into the ground and pop up runners around 10 feet from their epicentre.
The obvious answer would have been to use a digger, but it is impossible to get one into the garden.
I have considered using a breaker with an attachment for shattering wood on it.
Spades and root destroyers are of little use here.
I also have chainnsaws and axes, but again. Probably limited use given how tough they are.
Secondly, what is the best option to then kill it off?
Will regular weed killer do this, and how do I stop it popping up in other areas. If not can anyone recommend a product that will work better?
It has trailled into neighbours gardens so will I need to dig everywhere in order to get every root up, or will poisoning the main roots kill it off?
I was then going to dig in a 60 cm deep barrier along the neighbours fence to ensure no more can get through, or will this not be needed if it has been dug out and poisoned?
Thanks!
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At the risk of sounding negative, "Walk Away" might be the best advice on this one, sadly
I thought this but it's difficult. As long term customer and comes with other work... They will. Only ask someone else and then I may lose out on more long term.
I get what you are saying though.
As Billybop says........ "walk away" Just tell the householder you're unable to do it ............ there's plenty of other work about which will have a satisfactory outcome.... this job is destined for failure!! You could do this and the householder will be on your back complaining about all the endless suckers coming up everywhere.
Why can't you get a digger in?
Literally no point of entry,. Way too narrow. Alley ways and no fence that could be taken down on any side.
Short of being chinook dropped we exhausted all angles.
Sorry to hear that.
Nasty job. I Haven't had to that for couple of years. I would mostly likely say no next time asked.
Good luck
We removed one which was well established, no digger access. There is not an easy solution and it is extremely hard time consuming work.
We dug a trench about 1mt all around the root ball, far enough away so that we were not hitting roots and went very deep then gradually worked inwards towards the root ball severing roots individually until we could get underneath the root ball which we then prised apart by first axing through it and then using a substantial bar to lever towards the trench to break the root ball off in clumps. After removing the main root we then kept digging to a good depth and width until every bit of root was removed.
Others we have done where the root ball does not have to be removed is by cutting to ground level and soaking the exposed canes with Roundup trying to get as much as possible down the canes. We either use a hedgecutter or pruning saw to cut the canes.
This method does work providing any signs of regrowth are treated regularly and is pain free and easy, we have killed 3 very mature bamboos on one of our regular sites using this method, it does take several years for the root ball to degrade so depending on your clients expectations I would use this method.
Hope this helps.
Thanks.. I think digging far away from the root ball. And working inwards is going to be the best option here.
Do you think a breaker with appropriate attachment eoulmd be use ful or not needed?
Thanks.
I don't think it will help, guess it will just bounce on the roots? A Stihl saw would help. Are they insisting on the digging method? The Roundup method works and would be considerably cheaper for them.
We have only used the dig method once and that was just one plant, I would not fancy doing three!
I've done a few over the years... as has been said, not a nice job..... so we ended up doing them this way.
Set the rules with the client:
1. Any tool that breaks (they will) they replace (as in you invoice them for the replacement
2. You will do it over multiple visits, I think we said we'd do it for an hour a visit. Its really hard work... and you either knacker yourself for the rest of the day, or just dont do it properly
So our method was find a way in, we used a 8' Pry bar, and Rootslayer spade, together with a Mattock. Just work around it, picking it to bits, as you clear an area, you can then dig down to get any lower roots out
Everytime you leave it, every open fresh wound in the plant gets a dose of Grazon/Roundup 360 or similar - the next visit its a bit weaker... and so on.
It is possible, it is hard work - and you have to keep your eyes peeled for the next couple of years for bits you missed
Good luck :)
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