Could I convince someone to NOT plant bamboo? Though it grows fast, is somewhat attractive, and provides a thick privacy border, it will take over quicker than one can keep up with it. And once we have moved or are long gone, it becomes the next unsuspecting homeowner or person’s costly problem.

May I offer some alternatives? I understand this is an area under oak trees so it may be shaded, but some nice trees with thick evergreen leaves could be planted, like Little Gem and Teddy Bear magnolias. Another plant with evergreen leaves that flowers are camellias. These next two do get taller, but Arborvitae and Cryptomeria are good evergreens that fill out to be a nice shape. Lastly, hollies are dense and evergreen; consider Burford or Yaupon varieties.

If bamboo is really desired, it is worth the time and investment to dig a long, deep trench before planting! Line that trench with aluminum or rubber to stop the rhizomes from spreading. UGA recommends considering clumping bamboo types too, as they “are non-invasive and only spread an inch or so in diameter yearly.”

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