If you have been looking for a unique and appealing solution to your landscaping and privacy issues, then you may have heard that using bamboo plants for privacy is a great choice. Bamboo plants have many unique qualities that make them an excellent choice for privacy fences and landscaping.
When it comes to using bamboo plants for privacy, there are 5 important things that you should know beforehand:
1. Local Ordinances & Policies
When it comes to building a privacy fence, most places have many restrictions and ordinances that require permits and fees. However, there are very few places that have any ordinances against the use of bamboo plants for privacy fences. This means that you can avoid the need for permits and simply grow an effective privacy fence.
2. Invasive & Non-Invasive Bamboo
Bamboo can be classified into 2 groups: invasive and non-invasive. Invasive bamboo is also known as ‘running bamboo’ and tends to spread rapidly. Invasive bamboo is rarely used for privacy due to the fact that it is very hard to contain. In fact, shoots can spring up several feet away from the parent plant and restricting its growth is a massive job.
Non-invasive bamboo, also called ‘clumping bamboo’, grows in tightly formed clumps that are up to 5’ in diameter. Clumping bamboo is most commonly used for growing privacy fences and screens, as it is easily maintained and sculpted into the desired size and shape.
3. Growth Rate
Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants in the world, which is why it is the #1 choice for creating a natural green screen or privacy fence. While you can buy bamboo that is already 10, 20 or even 30 feet tall, that can get expensive quickly. However, when you purchase bamboo starter plants, you can grow your own privacy fence within 3-5 years.
4. Transplanting & Care
Bamboo plants for privacy are relatively easy to transplant and care for. As long as you ensure that you’re located in a climate where bamboo can grow and survive, and provide basic maintenance, your bamboo plants will be sending up new shoots in their first year. For the most part, all bamboo requires is good fertile soil, some slow release fertilizer and plenty of water in order to grow to its full potential.
One of the most unique features of bamboo is that once it has reaches the desired height, all you have to do is trim the tops off and they will never grow any taller than that height again.
5. Which Bamboo To Use
Deciding what type of bamboo plants for privacy to use varies greatly depending on what your needs are. Seabreeze bamboo is a medium-large sized bamboo, and is by far the most popular bamboo for privacy fences and screens. The reason Seabreeze makes such an effective privacy screen is because of the numerous lateral branches, which creates one of the best screens for privacy. However, depending on the size of your yard or landscaping area, Blue Chungii, Gracillis Graceful Bamboo and Oldhamii are also great choices for creating a privacy screen or fence.