How Bamboo Roots Can Wreak Havoc on Your Home

With their rapid growth and natural beauty, bamboos are popular ornamental plants for gardens and yards. However, some varieties have aggressive, invasive root systems that can cause serious structural damage if planted too close to a home. In this article, I’ll explain how bamboo roots can damage foundations, pipes, and more if left unchecked.

An Overview of Bamboo Root Systems

There are over 1000 species of bamboo but they generally fall into two root types

• Running bamboos form a dense mat of rhizomes (underground stems) that spreads out horizontally. Their roots can extend over 30 feet from the base.

• Clumping bamboos have a more compact root ball that only spreads a few feet at most

Running bamboos are considered invasive due to their rapid growth. The rhizomes creep underground, sending up new shoots. They penetrate cracks and weak areas in foundations, concrete, and asphalt. Homeowners often don’t notice bamboo encroaching until the damage is done.

Major Areas at Risk of Bamboo Root Damage

If running bamboo takes hold near your home, here are some vulnerable spots:

• Foundations – Rhizomes can worm their way under slabs and basement walls, destabilizing the structure.

• Sewer/septic lines – Roots can clog and rupture underground pipes.

• Water lines – Like sewer pipes, water lines are at risk of cracking from bamboo intrusion.

• Landscaping – Driveways, patios, and retaining walls can all be pushed upwards and cracked by bamboo shoots emerging underneath.

• Pool plumbing – Any pipes or pumps buried near bamboo are prone to blockages and leaks.

One Reddit user described coming home to find 30 bamboo shoots erupting through their asphalt driveway after a neighbor planted running bamboo! Preventative action is critical.

Signs of Bamboo Root Damage

Watch for these warning signs that bamboo roots may be compromising your home’s structural integrity:

• Cracks in walls, ceilings, or foundations
• Doors and windows sticking or not closing properly
• New shoots emerging from under driveways or patios
• Backed-up drains or leaking water pipes
• Sections of flooring raised unevenly
• Patios tilting or wall bricks becoming dislodged

If you spot any of these issues, inspect for bamboo encroachment right away before it escalates into major repairs. Don’t delay – the longer the roots extend, the worse the damage.

Tips for Controlling Invasive Bamboo Roots

Here are some tips to restrict bamboo root spread if you still want to grow it near your house:

• Plant clumping bamboo which has a less aggressive root system.

• Install a rhizome barrier around the bamboo planted at least 30 inches deep.

• Routinely prune and dig out new shoots that emerge outside the desired bamboo area.

• Don’t plant bamboo within 50 feet of any buildings, pipes, or structures.

• Consider above-ground planters which restrict downward root growth.

• Remove existing bamboo immediately if it’s near structures and showing signs of damage.

It’s smart to check local laws too, as many municipalities prohibit planting running bamboo species or require barriers to control spread. Be a considerate neighbor and don’t let your bamboo invade nearby properties either.

Removing Established Bamboo Near Houses

If running bamboo has already taken hold close to your home, removing it requires a multi-step process:

1. Cut the bamboo stems back to the ground.

2. Dig down to peel up all the rhizomes out to the full spread. Remove every piece or they’ll regenerate.

3. Put up underground barriers around the perimeter to block any remaining roots.

4. Monitor for 3-4 months and promptly remove any new shoots. Persistence pays off.

This work often requires renting a mini excavator to dig deep enough. Professional removal can cost $3,000-$5,000 but is worthwhile to stop extensive damage.

Seeking Damages if a Neighbor’s Bamboo Invades

You have legal recourse if a neighbor’s encroaching bamboo starts harming your property. Write to them requesting they remove it immediately. If they don’t comply, consult a lawyer about pursuing compensation for repairs under nuisance laws. Document all damage and attempts to contact the owners. With persistence, they should cover the removal costs.

Bamboo Damage Horror Stories

To drive home the havoc bamboo can wreak, here are two alarming stories:

• One couple had to jack up their entire house and rebuild the foundation after bamboo shoots grew beneath the slab, lifting it upward!

• A homeowner incurred $15,000 in plumbing repairs after bamboo clogged his sewer pipes, flooded the bathrooms, and caused raw sewage backups.

Don’t let this happen to you! Heed the warning signs and control bamboo roots around your residence.

Benefits of Bamboo If Properly Managed

When responsibly contained, bamboo can still be an attractive, useful addition to your landscape. Benefits include:

• Provides quick privacy as a screen or fence.

• Filters air pollution and releases oxygen.

• Controls erosion on slopes.

• Creates peaceful nature sounds when bamboo stalks sway and clatter in the breeze.

• Requires very little watering once established.

Just be sure to plant bamboo a safe distance from any structures and use barriers to guide root growth. With vigilance, you can enjoy bamboo’s upsides without damaging your home.

Final Thoughts

Bamboo’s rapid growth and invasive root system make it a risky choice right next to a house or buried utility lines. However, you can still incorporate bamboo into your yard safely with proper precautions like barriers and ample setbacks. Be on high alert for any early signs of bamboo root damage before it mushrooms into an expensive problem. With care, bamboo and homes can co-exist in harmony. But neglecting those running rhizomes can quickly spiral into a homeowner’s nightmare.