Bamboo

Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.

Electric_Andy

Heavy Metal Fan
Location
Plymouth
TLDR; We have just found out that a huge infestation of bamboo on our boundary fence (growing into neighbours garden) was planted on our side 40 years ago. The neighbours now want it gone. I have spent 8 hours so far trying to dig it out (their side), but it's absolutely wrecked my body and I still can't move my elbow properly. They do not want me to use glyphosphate because they have a dog. Access is fairly tricky as it's against a wall. Has anyone used bamboo removal specialists and know how much they might charge? Or had success with any sort of power tools? I am at my wits' end so will see if I can get anywhere with an angle grinder and concrete disc. And I might also try my reciprocating saw. This is only on the roots by the way; the tall stuff is easily cut off with loppers. Glyphosphate is off the cards as they have a dog and don't want me using it.

The longer version: When we viewed the house, we were told the bamboo was the neighbours, as it was on their side. Little did we know that our retaining wall is not the boundary; the boundary is lower down the bank behind the wall and it does look like it started behind (our side) of the fence. The previous owner said he regularly lops of the tops which overhang our garden room, and throws the clippings over to the neighbour and they don't mind (!). Foolishly we did not query this with the estate agent or solicitor.

6 months ago my partner went round there and said can they get rid of their bamboo. The husband said they are trying and one day he wil get his mini digger up there.

Just 3 weeks ago we get a knock on the door and it's the neighbours (wife) saying they are fed up with trying to dig it out and they want it gone. She claims she remembers it being planted on our side over 40 years ago when she was growing up. They have been "maintaining it" (in other words, letting it spread everywhere) for the past 40 years. She also claims she has told the 2 previous owners of our house to get rid, but nothing has been done. They did not start any sort of complaint or dispute because her mother at the time "didn't want the hassle". So I have agreed to do what I can, when I can, which I planned to be a few saturdays, but my frail and unfit body has other ideas. It's like swinging a pick-axe into concrete, the roots are just solid so the first 5 hours me and my friend cleared about 1sqM. There's probably another 9sqM to go. And another part to the lefthand neighbour where it's spread, but we can't dig it with tools as she has a greenhouse right in front of it and it would get smashed.

The neighbours have been getting rid of the big stuff, paying to use a dedicated soil/mulch company who recycle it. And have also paid a labourer to come in for a few hours. So they are being nice about it. The only thing I can't understand is, if you knew 40 years ago that it was not your bamboo and it had spread into your garden, why continue to cut it back? For forty years? And now all of a sudden we have to get rid. It's doing my head in
 

classic33

Leg End Member
The work they've been doing in "maintaining it" may have made the problem worse. Any roots that may have been cut often continue to grow unnoticed until they break surface.

With regards using glyphosphate, can she not keep her dog away from the area whilst it's in use, and allowed to dry into the bamboo?
 

PeteXXX

Cake or ice cream? The choice is endless ...
Location
Hamtun
Some neighbours a couple of doors away had some professionals in to remove their infestation.. It cost several thousand pounds for the job with a deal that if it returns they'll come back to sort it.
It's as bad as Knotweed, apparently.
 

BoldonLad

Not part of the Elite
Location
South Tyneside
Is there a legal obligation for you (or anyone) to deal with vegetation which grows from your garden into a neighbouring garden?

Not suggesting you shirk the problem, but, the answer may adjust the “balance of power” when discussing possible solutions with the neighbours
 

T4tomo

Legendary Member
Is there a legal obligation for you (or anyone) to deal with vegetation which grows from your garden into a neighbouring garden?

Not whatsoever. You have a right to hack at anything that grows over the fence from your neighbours side, but within reason (i.e its not blocking out light etc) your neighbour cant compel you to do anything.

if its been there for 40 years, best thing is just to carry on trimming it if it gets in to places its not wanted.

You will never get rid of it. That stuff should only every be planted in pots and tubs so its roots are contained.
 

Bonefish Blues

Banging donk
Location
52 Festive Road
Just have a quick convo with a solicitor so you know the legal position. IANAL but I don't think you inherit what is possibly a civil wrong of others from 40 years ago, even if the neighbour account can be verified. What's happened is you've turned up, are a nice, reasonable chap, and now they reckon the monkey is yours.

Not for a moment suggesting you turn your back, but that you know your position so all those who are affected can meet and work out what they, as a group, are prepared to do about it.
 

Profpointy

Legendary Member
Get some panda bears. They'll chew through it in no time

Otherwise I'd just use glyphosphate. Ask em to keep the dog in for a day. It's not as if the dog is going to eat the bamboo anyway.
 
Location
Loch side.
Time to educate yoiur neighbour on glyphosate. The risk is minimal unless the dog drinks from the concentrate bottle. To placate them you can temporaily install a low-joule electric fence around the sprayed area. I'll just spray on a warm windless day and let the stuff dry. The dog is not going to eat the bamboo. Alternatively, use psychology. Spray your side and let them admire the results.
 
OP
OP
E

Electric_Andy

Heavy Metal Fan
Location
Plymouth
Is there a legal obligation for you (or anyone) to deal with vegetation which grows from your garden into a neighbouring garden?

Not suggesting you shirk the problem, but, the answer may adjust the “balance of power” when discussing possible solutions with the neighbours
I think we'd both be throwing money at solicitors, plus some sort of expensive surveyor to determine if it was actually planted on our side as they claim. Which is why I'm trying to at least meet them half way
 
OP
OP
E

Electric_Andy

Heavy Metal Fan
Location
Plymouth
Would it be possible to have a bonfire on top of the main root ball? You'd still have to deal with the runners, but that would be a much easier task after a bonfire has weakened it.

There are wooden fences around, so would be too dangerous. Besides, the roots are all in a clump that's about 14 foot long
 

classic33

Leg End Member
If you do decide to use weedkiller, try and get hold of what is used in agriculture. It'll be stronger/more concentrated than what will be available at a garden centre. Often at very little difference in the price. And you'll have sufficient to do more than one application.

Do it early morning, before the sun gets too hot.
 
OP
OP
E

Electric_Andy

Heavy Metal Fan
Location
Plymouth
If you do decide to use weedkiller, try and get hold of what is used in agriculture. It'll be stronger/more concentrated than what will be available at a garden centre. Often at very little difference in the price. And you'll have sufficient to do more than one application.

Do it early morning, before the sun gets too hot.

Yeah my dad has 5 litres of it! He has a farm. He's advised to cut the tails off a mop, to wipe it on with that, mixing the Glyphosphate with dish soap and veg oil so it doesn't run off as quick
 

classic33

Leg End Member
Yeah my dad has 5 litres of it! He has a farm. He's advised to cut the tails off a mop, to wipe it on with that, mixing the Glyphosphate with dish soap and veg oil so it doesn't run off as quick
Given what you've said about the fences and the greenhouse, along with what you can't know until you start digging, I'd be inclined to go down the weedkiller route.
If needs be, under a plastic sheet or covered with a plastic sheet after application.

If you point out the trouble with using the other methods, plus the fact that they may have made it worse, the weedkiller becomes the better method of the options available. She must be able to keep the dog out of the garden for one day.
 
Top Bottom