Root Barrier for Bamboo

**Please note root barrier cannot be ordered on it's own, it can only be ordered as part of an order containing bamboo.

The root barrier is sold by the metre.  To define the number of metres needed, add to the basket and adjust the quantity within the basket. Using an example if you add the root barrier to the basket and set the quantity to 5 you will be ordering 5 continuous meters of root barrier. (Not 5 x individual 1 meter lengths).

To determine the amount (in metres) needed use the following calculation :

Root barrier needed = (Length of the area to plant x 2) + 2.

This will allow for both ends, both sides and an overlapping join. 

Our root barrier is a tough, flexible, puncture resistant membrane, designed to help direct, enhance & control bamboo growth. With the varieties we grow and sell, it certainly isn't a necessity to use a barrier but equally with some varieties it will certainly reduce ongoing maintenance. If you are not sure if to use root barrier or not please get in touch before ordering.

How to use our root barrier:

Choosing to use a root barrier involves a bit of extra cost upfront and a bit of extra digging too. But the benefits long-term far outweigh this initial work and cost.

Bamboo is nearly always planted on a boundary and very frequently up against a fence, this is when a root barrier can be particularly useful. Customers often ask whether to use planters when planting bamboo to help contain spread, but if planting in the ground is available, always use the ground. And if control of spread is necessary, consider using our root barrier as shown below.

To install root barrier for when planting bamboo for use as a linear screen, see the diagram below, and following steps.

1) Dig a trench 61cm deep along the area to be planted. The root barrier itself is 64cm wide, this once installed will leave 4cm above ground level - important.

2) Place the root barrier vertically down all sides of the trench, allowing a healthy overlap where the barrier joins.

3) Back-fill roughly half of the trench to a level where your new bamboo will, if planted at that level have the top of its root ball at ground level. 

4) Place the bamboo along the trench at equally spaced intervals. 

5) Back-fill the trench to the surrounding ground level.

6) As always for newly planted bamboo - water generously.