Bamboo Rhizome Barrier is DEFINITELY available for purchase online!

Please Click for pricing and more information.

Please Click for printable instructions.

For most applications, Bamboo Headquarters recommends a heavy, 40 mil, 24″ wide, high density, polyethylene barrier (HDPE), available in lengths up to 250 feet.

To install, dig a narrow trench, 2″ shallower than the width of the barrier, around the perimeter of the area in which you want to contain the bamboo.

Insert the barrier, making sure that two inches of the barrier remain above ground to prevent the rhizomes from jumping over. We recommend that you slant the top of the barrier outward so that the rhizomes bend and grow upwards. Also, inspect the barrier once a year and remove build up along the edge of the barrier so the rhizomes do not have soil to help them grow over the top.

Be sure to overlap the barrier at least three feet where the two ends meet, or use two vertical strips of double sided tape within the overlapped area. This will create a seal and prevent the rhizomes from slipping in-between the seam of the rhizome barrier. Be sure there is no soil in-between the overlapped layers.

Polyethylene barrier is better than concrete, because it does not crack. It is also better than sheet metal, which tends to rust when put in the ground, creating holes for the rhizomes to escape. In most situations, the 24″ deep polyethylene barrier is effective in containing running bamboo. The few exceptions are steep hillsides, or giant timber types of bamboo in soft loamy soil. In these cases we recommend the 30″ or 36″ wide barrier.

We stock bamboo rhizome barrier in full rolls, ranging from 150 - 300′ depending on width and thickness, or will cut and ship to your requirements. There is no minimum order on barrier.

Barrier comes with free double stick tape to join ends.

*When using the online store to purchase, the quantity field equals linear feet. Update the quantity field to increase the footage. We will cut to ANY length required.

NOTE: Plastic trash cans, nursery containers and concrete do not work for rhizome containment.

Remember, you can also enjoy running bamboo in decorative pots! Grow them in the black nursery pot so they will not burst your decorative pot.

Other Uses for Rhizome Barrier

Rhizome barrier can be used to contain other spreading plants such as Equisetum. This planter would be much easier to maintain if rhizome barrier had been installed!