Expert: Dr. Rakesh Kumar - 7/10/2002

Question
Hi there - I suspect I don't have a true bamboo, but something that mimics it in some ways.  I am in zone 5 central New York.  This vegetation is a broad leaved plant with a pithy, hollow stem.  It achieves height of over 10'.  Its root system is extremely dense and tough, and it spreads via its underground growth (i know theres a name for that but...). It grows in sun and shade, more strongly in sun.  Its growth is rampant and it grows in all sorts of soil types.  Currently it is covering an area approximately 70' by 10' (it was growing in a right of way).

I cannot dig it out - it is too deeply rooted and there are too many established root clusters.  I have tried using round-up to no avail.  I want to plant trees in the vicinity of this growth and I want to remove this growth prior to planting.  I do not want to destroy the soil.

Any advice?  Or can you direct me to someone who can help?  Thanks in advance.  Joanne

Answer
Although no treatment is so effective to iradicate the bamboo like plants but I have read any where about picric acid, which is effective in killing the plants. If you have such type of chemical then you can try by injecting it into tissue of plant.

Please inform me if succeed

Rakesh