Beware of the invasive nature of bamboo

Published on July 3, 2025

Running bamboo is the neighbor you never want to have. Yes, it’s popular in landscaping and much stronger than it might appear.

But according to City Arborist Marc Byers, bamboo that is growing wild or has been planted makes for lousy neighbors.

“There are just so many challenges in controlling it in the way that it spreads,” he said. “If you lived next to someone who had bamboo on their property, you would be pulling your hair out. The roots (technically rhizomes) spread underground and start popping up out of the ground like out of an alien movie.”

The attractiveness of bamboo can mask its devious side.

“People are planting it intentionally, thinking that it’s a great temporary screen for their yard or they just love bamboo,” Byers said. “There are so many challenges to controlling it when it’s spreading. People are reluctant to spray and it is difficult to control by mowing because it is so fast growing and woody. Also, if you have preexisting landscaping or structures, excavating it is virtually impossible without destroying the root systems of the landscaping. So you’ve got this invader coming from your neighbor’s yard that you can’t control effectively.”

Byers said there is bamboo planted and growing at different locations throughout Huntsville. One example is at the northwest corner of Sparkman Drive and Pulaski Pike. The bamboo grows to the point that it falls into the road, diminishes sightlines for drivers and must constantly be cut back.

“It’s a long-term battle to get rid of it,” Byers said.