Will vetiver block running bamboo?

Nov 08, 2012 14:45:58

I'm thinking about using vetiver as an outside border of my land, with a border of bamboo inside of that, on the west + north + east edges. I have 1 acre which I will farm naturally (Fukuoka style). I want the erosion control of vetiver, and the wind break and natural aesthetic of bamboo.
I'm in central Illinois, zone 5b, so I need a good cold hardy bamboo, which it seems are mostly the running type and not clumping. So, I'm wondering if the vetiver would be an effective blockade to stop the bamboo from spreading off my land and into my neighbor's plowed field. I don't mind it running sideways or inwards a bit.

It seems vetiver is effective in stopping other invasive species, so I hope it can work against bamboo. Any thoughts on this combination?

Nov 08, 2012 16:08:55

I know a little about bamboo and almost nothing about vetiver. My guess is that your plan will significantly slow the bamboo rhizomes, but I suspect that they will break through the barrier eventually. Bamboo is a persistent cuss.

Nov 09, 2012 15:27:19

I had considered using vetiver to control running bamboo as it is effective against other running grasses. I don't know if anyone has ever done it so I wouldn't do it unless I experimented on a small scale first. Also clumping bamboo will make a much better wind break, if it won't work in your climate other fast growing plants would probably be better.

Nov 09, 2012 16:48:57

The though/question has crossed my mind a few times in the past month... Hmmm... I'd love to know as well

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