Planting Bamboo As a Decorative Fence

Overview

Bamboo is an ornamental grass that is mostly associated with Asia, though varieties of bamboo grow all over the world. With its fast growth rate and invasive nature, bamboo spreads quickly making it an ideal living fence for any yard. Planting a decorative bamboo fence is a great way to gain privacy while helping the environment at the same time becaue bamboo absorbs carbon dioxide. However, if you plant a decorative bamboo fence you will have to take some measures to keep the bamboo in check.

Step 1

Choose a type of bamboo to plant as a decorative fence that will suit your climate zone and your height needs. Some bamboo, like Phyllostachys nuda, is hardy to Zone 4, while some bamboo can grow up to 70 feet tall. Choose between running and clumping bamboo. Keep in mind running bamboo spreads quickly, but is harder to control.

Step 2

Prepare the perimeter of your yard for the decorative bamboo fence. Remove any weeds or rocks from the soil. Most bamboo needs full sun and rich loamy soil that is well drained. Add organic material such as compost or manure to your soil if it is clay-like or sandy.

Step 3

Dig holes for your bamboo plants as deep as the root balls and three times as wide.

Step 4

Place the bamboo in the holes. Fill the holes with soil and pat it down firmly.

Step 5

Water the bamboo until the soil is moist. Cover the ground around the bamboo with 2 inches of mulch.