Uneven Bamboo Edging

Hardscape Edging

• Edging adds clean lines to a textured landscape and separates one garden area from another. Gardens typically feature different, non-living edging, which is referred to as hardscapes. These non-growing edging materials -- stone, brick or wood -- remain solid in the landscape, regardless of seasonal changes. Bamboo stakes are a type of hardscape edging. Unlike living bamboo, bamboo wood requires no maintenance. This water-tolerant landscape material is well-suited for curving areas. Small pieces placed in close proximity easily align against curves. This type of edging, when installed improperly, will appear uneven. When planning your edging area, ensure that the ground is level and capable of being dug to a depth of 6 inches throughout the edging area.

Living Bamboo

• Living bamboo is a fast-growing plant that is suitable for areas that require quick, lush edging. Be aware that bamboo usually grows quite tall -- some varieties reach heights upward of 10 feet. Live bamboo is often used for privacy screens or to create a green space between boundary fences and walls. Uneven lengths are not usually a problem for tall bamboo edging plants as the tops of the plants are often not seen. Dwarf varieties, however, such as Kuma bamboo grass (Sasa veitchii) or golden bamboo (Pleioblastus viridistriatus) may grow to uneven lengths, depending on the planting site.

Site

• Some bamboo prefers shade while others, like black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra), do well in partial and dappled sunshine. Most prefer moisture, but a few, including nuda bamboo (Phyllostachys nuda), are capable of persisting through drought conditions. When choosing a bamboo variety, assess its ability to survive in your garden's conditions. Uneven growth can occur when some bamboo plants that prefer shade are sited in shade while others are sited in full sun. Growth rates are also affected by the amount of moisture that is available. Avoid uneven growth by maintaining uniform light and water conditions.

Considerations

• Some bamboo is considered clumping while others are considered running. Clumping bamboo does not spread rapidly and tends to grow evenly, whereas running bamboo spreads rapidly, sending shoots up across the area and contributing to uneven growth. Divide your running bamboo to remove small, uneven growth areas. When planting running bamboo around the edge of a garden, make sure you create a barrier. Underground barriers made of metal containers, planters or industrial-strength landscaping fabric prevent root systems from running and growing new shoots beyond the intended area. The barrier should be at least 2 feet deep.