How to Get Rid of Wild Bamboo in the Northeast

Polygonum cuspidatum goes by several names, including Japanese bamboo, Mexican bamboo and Japanese knotwood. It is commonly called bamboo although it is not a true bamboo. Native to Japan, it was imported in the late 1800s for use as an ornamental in gardens. The invasive plant escaped captivity and became widespread. Japanese bamboo grows in stands and can reach up to 10 feet in height. It will crowd out all other plants. The weed is very difficult to get rid of due to its extensive underground rhizome system. Once established, it takes hard work and two or more years to eradicate.

Mower
Backpack sprayer
Glyphosate herbicide and surfectant

Instructions

- 1
  Mow all Japanese bamboo down at the beginning of June. It will grow back; but when it does, it will grow only 3 to 4 feet high. This will make the herbicide application manageable. Cut down by hand any bamboo growing around buildings or trees.
- 2
  Treat the bamboo with herbicide in late summer. Rodeo is a glyphosate product that is well known, but other brands are available. If using Rodeo, a surfactant will need to be added. Follow the label directions to mix with surfactant. If spraying near water, a surfactant safe for use around bodies of water will be needed.
- 3
  Fill a backpack sprayer with herbicide. Spray the Japanese bamboo with herbicide until it is wet and begins to drip from the leaves. Get both upper and lower leaves. Use care to keep it away from trees or other plants you wish to save.
- 4
  Wait until the beginning of July of the following season to apply more herbicide to any regrowth. The first season treatment will kill most of the bamboo. Every year after look for regrowth and treat it.

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