Are you planning to create a bamboo hedge to screen your yard for privacy? Well here are some sure-fire points you do not want to miss!
First, when creating a bamboo hedge you first want to determine the actual height that you want from your bamboo. The screening height that you will obtain from your bamboo will depend on your climate conditions. Bamboo plants are very adaptive to various climates; however, the height that is listed for the bamboo plant is for optimal growing conditions. Example: if you want a hedge height of 10 feet (3.05 m) and you live in a cold climate region then you may want to select a bamboo plant with a maximum height of 18 – 20 feet (5.49 – 6.10 m). Keep in mind that if the bamboo plant starts to grow taller than you want it is very easy to control the height.
Also pay attention to the light requirements for the species that you choose in relation to the placement of your landscaping.
Second, you want to select 2 – 3 different types of bamboo plants. By doing this if one species in the hedge dies you still have 1 – 2 others still actively growing. If you would just plant one bamboo species and it dies you have just lost your entire screening. You could plant three different types of bamboo and adjust your height accordingly. It would bring a nice looking dynamic to your landscaping.
Third, when selecting the different species, you will want Leptomorph or running bamboo. When planting this type of bamboo you will want to install a barrier or to proactively practice rhizome control to prevent your bamboo from running into other people’s properties. Keep your neighbor in mind just because you want bamboo does not mean that your neighbor does. If you are in a wide open space with nothing around you then the barrier may not be a big issue for you.
Be sure to water thoroughly after planting. Keep in mind that you will want to water very liberally for the first few days to a week depending on your current weather conditions. After that you will want to keep the soil moist. Do not soak the bamboos roots and rhizome, this will cause them to rot and die.
Do not fertilize newly planted bamboo until the plants have taken hold. When the plants have taken the best type of fertilizer would be rotted cow or horse manure.
Growing and caring for bamboo is not a difficult task you just need a little time and TLC.
David Schindel shares his expertise and knowledge with Growing, Pruning, and Caring for Bamboo Plants. Receive the latest Bamboo Tips and Techniques by subscribing to Free "Bamboo Care Tips Newsletter" at: http://www.BambooCareInfo.com
