Product Description
Stop Bamboo in its Tracks!
Bamboo Shield is a diversion type control method with a smooth surface on the side facing your bamboo planting. It is made from HDPE, high-density polyethylene. Superior to metals because it will not rust and easier to install. Bamboo roots typically travel in the first 12-18 inches of topsoil.
Bamboo Shield is sold in 24", 30", and 36" depths to provide extra protection from stray growth. The polyethylene barrier is made from post industrial recycled regrind material when possible, in the USA. Bamboo Shield is impermeable to water as well which acts as a water barrier. Plastic thinner than 30 mil has been shown to crack when ground temperatures get below -15 degrees F. This would be extremely cold and the thickness greater than 30 mil does great at handling very cold temperatures without damage.
The plastic barrier has a better chance not cracking when frozen like other materials. Even concrete will freeze and crack over the years. Driveways are poured 4 to 6 inches deep to allow heavy vehicles passage and parking. Seldom are driveways seen without cracks. Concrete was used many years ago (Byron Agriculture Station in Byron, Georgia) as a below ground barrier system and found to crack below the frost line allowing bamboo rhizomes to emerge through to the other side. One of the many myths of bamboo is its ability to crack solid concrete.
Bamboo is not magical, but persistent and its root system will eventually find cracks in concrete and emerge through them. If the environment (sunlight soil) is suitable once it emerges the bamboo will grow if not terminated. The rhizome (root) when growing is very soft and flexible and will always turn when it encounters something harder.
Bamboo Shield Installation Steps
Installation Key Points:
- Shiny side of the barrier goes towards the bamboo.
- Slightly angle barrier (5-10°) where the bottom is closer to the bamboo.
- A minimum of 2” should be left exposed above the soil level.
- Material tends to remain coiled after shipping. Expanding it out in the sun for a few hours can make installation easier.
- Locate and confirm the location of all underground utility lines and structures prior to digging and use caution.
