Many plants form runners that spread through the soil and can even take over a neighbor's garden without proper precautions. Bamboo plants, some ornamental grasses, raspberries and blackberries are among the plants that grow quickly and need timely action. A rhizome barrier for bamboo and other runner-forming plants limits the growth of the rhizomes to a certain area. In the article we provide information about the necessity and advantages of the rhizome barrier, give helpful tips for laying it and present a few good ideas for garden design.
The rhizome barrier is a hardened plastic film made from high-density polyethylene, also known as PE-HD or HDPE. It is commonly used when planting large bamboo species and is sometimes called a bamboo barrier. The rhizome barrier is purchased in the form of a roll of different widths, which is installed in a specific way.
The bamboos are beautiful plants that are often used as privacy screens in the garden. Since their underground runners or rhizomes spread very quickly, you should definitely lay a rhizome barrier in the ground. Such a measure is of central importance for larger bamboo species, such as these from the genus Phyllostachys. Many garden owners underestimate the power of their rhizomes and face significant damage over time. Installation is essential in front of buildings, ponds or paved areas such as terraces. Without timely action, the strong rhizomes can even lift paving stones and sidewalk slabs.
To keep the bamboo under control, you should first buy a rhizome barrier and find out exactly how it should be laid. The density of the plastic film should be at least 2 millimeters thick in order to be able to withstand the roots of the bamboo plant. In the best case scenario, you should leave the work to a professional. However, if you want to install this yourself, we will summarize the main steps for you.
To determine the exact limit, you should find out about the size of the fully grown bamboo. It usually depends on the variety of the plant. Once you have determined the location, a trench should be dug approximately 60 to 80 centimeters deep. Cut the special plastic sheeting to fit the trench. Then drill holes for screwing the clamping rail into the sealing membrane, lay out the bamboo barrier in the trench and unscrew the clamping rail. Finally, plant the bamboo in humus-rich soil and decorate the edge of the area as desired. Leave 5-10 centimeters above the soil to notice rhizomes trying to leave the barrier.
The correct variant is made exclusively from PE-HD film and should not be confused with pond liners, root barriers or root protection films. Although these variants are an appropriate choice for many plants that form runners, they are not suitable for the rhizomes of bamboo and can be easily broken through.
Did you plant your bamboo without the required lock out of ignorance? Or have you moved into a house with bamboos and runner-forming plants already planted? In this case, you can take some subsequent measures and additionally install the rhizome barrier for bamboo and others. First, get the HDPE plastic film and create a trench that is at least 60cm deep and not too narrow around the grown plant. Then find the rhizomes and cut them off or, if possible, dig them up so that only those remain within the trench. Finally, the lock is inserted and secured with the clamping rail. Don't forget to constantly monitor the bamboo plants and remove any rhizomes that spread above ground and beyond the barrier.
Alternatively, root barriers or root protection films can be used, but only if it is a medium-sized bamboo or ornamental grass. Another variation would be to use a mortar bucket with the bottom cut out and place it in a trench. This idea will keep most shrubbery under control, although it will be too small for trees and some bamboo plants.
Examples of plants that grow quickly and sprout underground runners include some trees and bushes. Some of these are raspberries, sea buckthorns, the beautiful vinegar tree, mint and some ornamental grasses. In most cases, thinner protective films also help, as the roots of these plants are not as strong as the rhizomes of bamboo.
