OK, after chipping away at the task for weeks & weeks, the gardener (and I) have removed all the bamboo. What is now left is stalk stubs, and -- one assumes -- a whole underworld of roots.
Note that this was not "spreading" bamboo; I deliberately chose a "clumping" bamboo. However, the protective "leaf" litter cluttered everything, and the bamboo had to be cut back constantly. Plant has just outlived its usefulness, though it did screen the trash area. Will now have to find something that will do the same job, but not become such a nuisance.
I browsed under keyword "bamboo removal" and found many user comments at:
and at
Have never tackled any enterprise as menacing as this.
Your wisdom solicited:
- How deeply rooted is clumping bamboo?
- Can mere humans dig up the roots after thoroughly moistening the soil?
- If not, what kind of "professional" help would be required -- one hopes not too expen$ive.
TIA
Persephone