Can you restrict bamboo growth?
Can I trim the tops?
If I trim the tops, will the leaves grow back?
Please help! Oh, and I live in Orlando, FL. I don't know if you need that info. Thanks!
Answers:
I've planted it in a container near my patio. A neighbor took a cutting and planted it into the ground (but not before placing a foot deep plastic ring around the site). Mine and the neighbors crop do seem to be restricted in height due to the containers. It's about 8 feet tall and gives me new shoots in the Spring. I haven't trimmed the tops. Mine is also called "Black Bamboo" but it could be a different variety. I've been very happy with it.
Other answers:
plant it in a container so it doesnt take over the neighborhood and just keep it trimmed to the desired height.
plant it in a container so it doesnt take over the neighborhood and just keep it trimmed to the desired height.
I have bamboo in my back yard. I love it. It makes a great screen. Sitting back there; you almost think your in a tropical forest, instead of an industrial area in a desert state.
But the stuff is unreal in the way it grows and fights for space. It will deplete the soil in the area you plant it in and start marching forward. Extending roots and popping up new shouts.
Bamboo is hollow, so I think if you tried to trim it's height; you'd kill it.
My advice; wait until you get a bigger place before you plant bamboo.
The only way you can keep bamboo under control is to plant it in a large container, otherwise no matter what you do, it will overtake the whole area so it's a good idea you are planning on doing that, I think trimming the tops is fine, I have done that and mine just kinda sprouted some leaves back, and they seem okay. I could be wrong though, but that's what I did. You might want to contact a local nursery and ask them just to be safe.
You'll need to dig about two feet down and surround the roots with an impenetrable barrier, such as hard plastic, metal that won't rust away, or even concrete. It helps if it's angled inwards towards the bottom, too.
If you trim the tops, it'll get thicker, sending out side shoots. Better to get a variety that doesn't grow as tall. (You can also buy clumping bamboo, which won't spread out from the roots, saving you the step of putting in that barrier.)
Plant a container to keep it in and make sure there is at least two inches of container showing above ground or else the roots will jump over. Don't use concrete for the container or else the roots will pick at the tiniest of holes and break through. Be wary of plastic because the roots can build up and break the seams.