Bamboo Removal

Nationwide coverage across all of Scotland

Accredited experts for both commercial and residential removal

Bamboo removal available for sites ranging from 1m² to over 100m²

PCA & TrustMark accreditation ensuring quality standards

Guarantees accepted by banks and mortgage lenders

Outstanding 5-star rating on Google

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Whether you’re selling your property, managing a commercial space or dealing with overgrowth from a neighbour, bamboo can cause significant issues.

Unregulated and aggressive, it can damage gardens, buildings and driveways.

With over 1,400 bamboo variants, proper identification is crucial to avoid further problems. At JBB Knotweed Solutions, we offer comprehensive bamboo control services, ensuring a seamless process from survey to total removal. Our 5-year guarantee provides peace of mind, promising quality service you can trust.

Problems with Invasive Bamboo

Bamboo is a vigorous, fast-growing invasive that can cause numerous problems.

  • Persistent Nuisance: Bamboo often emerges in unwanted areas of gardens, persistently reappearing despite efforts to eradicate it.
  • Infrastructure Damage: Its relentless growth can lead to significant damage of underground infrastructure such as drainage networks, as well as hard surfaces like patios and building structures due to direct pressure. 

Identifying Invasive Bamboo

While bamboo growth is most active in late spring and early summer, it can be present year-round. However, because bamboo rarely flowers, other identification methods are necessary.

One effective way is with a root check, where our professionals examine the roots to determine the bamboo species. Our team of experts can assist with this process.

Our qualified surveyors conduct thorough assessments to precisely identify bamboo species, distinguishing between running and clumping bamboo varieties and determining the spread’s extent. These surveys are comprehensive and ensure that all aspects of bamboo presence are properly identified.

Professional Bamboo Removal Services

Our bamboo removal process, conducted by accredited experts, is tailored to both commercial and residential properties:

Commercial Bamboo Control

Our invasive bamboo removal services are designed for construction firms, retailers, property management companies and public sector organisations nationwide. We provide comprehensive solutions, including surveys, biosecurity controls, offsite removal and in-situ treatment.

Residential Bamboo Control

Invasive bamboo can threaten the structural integrity and value of homes. Our residential bamboo control specialists conduct property surveys to confirm its presence or absence, minimising risk and ensuring appropriate action is taken.

Bamboo Treatment​

Depending on the specific case, we tackle invasive bamboo problems through two main methods:

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Mechanical Removal

Root system eradication and removal by expert excavation typically offer the quickest method for control and also the highest levels of success. The careful removal of all propagule materials (any plant material used for the purpose of plant reproduction) is augmented by annual follow-up monitoring visits over the subsequent two-year period.

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Foliar Application

Bamboo can be extremely resistant to herbicide foliar application, however, chemical treatment can often be an appropriate approach as part of an integrated control plan.

Nationwide Coverage Across Scotland​

With our main office in Glasgow and additional branches in Inverness and Ayrshire, we’re equipped to serve every corner of Scotland.

Glasgow

Edinburgh

Perth

Stirling

Dundee

Aberdeen

Dumfries

Fort William

Inverness

Ayr

Kilmarnock

Client had a Bamboo infestation in the corner of their front garden. It had spread throughout a raised bed and across the boundary into the neighbouring property. We successfully removed the Bamboo over a period of 2 days from both properties on budget. The client was delighted and looked forward to re-landscaping the area to her desired finish.

BEFORE
AFTER

Invasive bamboo and other invasive plants can wreak havoc on property values and structural integrity. Its aggressive growth patterns can lead to costly damage to buildings, driveways and garden landscapes. Moreover, if left unchecked, bamboo can quickly spread, becoming a persistent nuisance that’s challenging to eradicate.

In Scotland, bamboo is controlled under the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act 2011, which states that it is an offence to release or cause the release of any plant to a place outside of its native range. Put simply, if you allow bamboo to spread from your land, you could face significant penalties and fines.

Despite being recognised as one of the UK’s emerging invasive threats, bamboo can still be bought in garden centres up and down the country. It is not an offence to buy, sell or plant bamboo in your garden – not that we would ever recommend doing so!

It is very hard for bamboo to spread by seed and the main mechanism for bamboo spreading is the plant’s underground rhizomes. This results in the control and removal of rhizome propagules being the focus of bamboo management.

Absolutely. The presence of invasive bamboo can significantly decrease the value of a property. Prospective buyers are often deterred by the potential maintenance and remediation costs associated with invasive bamboo removal. Additionally, the unsightly appearance and potential damage caused by bamboo can make a property less appealing to potential buyers.

The timeframe for bamboo removal varies depending on several factors, including the removal method used, the extent of the infestation and environmental conditions. In general, it may take several months to completely eradicate bamboo from a property.

Mechanical removal methods, such as excavation and root system eradication, typically offer the quickest results, but ongoing monitoring and follow-up treatments may be necessary to ensure complete eradication.

Chemical treatments, while effective, may require multiple applications over an extended period to achieve desired results. Overall, effective bamboo removal requires patience, persistence, and a comprehensive approach tailored to the specific circumstances of each bamboo infestation.

After bamboo removal services, it’s wise to exercise a bit of patience before fully utilising the space.

While the bulk of the work may be done, it’s essential to wait for any residual chemicals or treatments to settle and for the soil to recover from the invasive bamboo’s presence.

This process typically takes some time, often a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the extent of the infestation and the specific removal techniques employed. Our removal experts will offer guidance tailored to your situation and ensure that your outdoor space is safe and ready for use before diving back in.

Once the invasive bamboo has been successfully removed, you’ll have a fresh canvas to work within your outdoor space. Consider replacing the bamboo with native garden plants or landscaping features better suited to your garden’s ecosystem and aesthetic preferences.

Native plants not only support local wildlife but also tend to be more resilient and easier to maintain. Additionally, you might explore other landscaping options such as decorative gravel, mulch, or even a new garden bed for growing vegetables or flowers.

The key is to choose plants and features that enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space while minimising the risk of invasive species taking over again.

One handy solution is installing a physical barrier along your property line, like sturdy geotextile membranes buried underground. These barriers can stop bamboo roots in their tracks, keeping them from sneaking into your garden.

Regular upkeep is also crucial. Keep an eye on your property boundaries and promptly remove any bamboo shoots or roots that venture onto your turf.

Communication is key here too. Chat with your neighbour about the bamboo situation and see if they’re open to finding a solution together. They may be willing to take measures to contain or remove the bamboo from their property.

And if all else fails, legal action might be necessary. Check out local laws or chat with authorities to explore your options.

Bamboo roots can extend deeply into the soil, typically reaching depths of up to 2-3 feet (60-90 centimetres). However, in some cases, they can penetrate even deeper, depending on the bamboo species and soil conditions.

The cost of a bamboo survey starts from £150 plus VAT. However, prices may vary based on the location and size of the site.

Bamboo removal costs can vary significantly depending on factors such as the size of the infestation, accessibility, and location. Typically, bamboo removal costs start from £3,500 plus VAT.

Invasive Bamboo

What is bamboo?

Bamboo is non-native to the UK and was first introduced to our shores in the 1800’s as an ornamental plant. There are more than a thousand variants of bamboo, however these can broadly be grouped into two categories; ‘clumping’ & ‘running’. This grouping refers to the nature of the plants rhizome system, the stem-like root network that grows underground. Put simply, the root network for clumping variants of bamboo tend to have shorter root systems that stay closer to the plant of origin, whereas running variants tend to grow more rapidly over larger horizontal areas. Running variants of bamboo typically cause the greatest issues, as they have a tendency to spread and appear in areas where they are not wanted.

Why is bamboo a problem?

Bamboo is a vigorous, fast growing invasive that can cause a lot of problems. It can become a persistent nuisance for land owners, with the plant appearing and reappearing in unwanted areas of gardens. It is also capable of causing damage to underground infrastructure (eg. drainage networks), hard surfaces (eg. patios, slabbed areas, etc) and building structures (through the application of direct pressure).

How does bamboo spread?

It is very hard for bamboo to spread by seed and the main mechanism for spread is the plants rhizome system. This results in the control and removal of rhizome propagules being the focus of bamboo management.

Bamboo and the law in the UK

In Scotland, bamboo is controlled under the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act 2011, which states that it is an offence to release or cause the release of any plant to a place outside of its native range. Put simply, if you allow bamboo to spread from your land, you could face significant penalties and fines. Despite being recognised as one of the UK’s emerging invasive threats, Bamboo can still be bought in garden centres up and down the country. It is not an offence to buy, sell, or plant bamboo in your garden – not that we would ever recommend doing so!!
Bamboo

Bamboo Removal & Treatment

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Mechanical removal  

Root system eradication and removal by expert excavation typically offers the quickest method for control and also the highest level of success. The careful removal of all propagule materials is augmented by annual follow up monitoring visits over the subsequent 2 year period.
Japanese Knotweed Logo

Foliar Application

Bamboo can be extremely resistant to herbicide foliar application, however chemical treatment can often be an appropriate approach as part of an integrated control plan. 

Book a Survey

We can tell you if you definitely have bamboo on your property and recommend the

best course of action.