Introduction

In this section, the speaker introduces themselves and reminds the audience to ask questions in the Q&A section instead of the chat. They also mention an upcoming biodiversity symposium.

• The LA Biodiversity Symposium is next week from 3-5 pm on Zoom.

• The symposium covers topics such as native plants, wildlife connectivity, and urban resilience.

Bamboo Sorcery Sponsor Spotlight

In this section, Julie introduces Joe Rafato as a skilled contractor with over 30 years of experience available to Bamboo Sorcery customers for consultation, installation, bamboo recommendations, maintenance, and more.

• Joe is a self-taught bamboo expert who helps homeowners and landscapers get the right species and setup for their bamboo projects.

• Joe will be discussing everything you need to know about bamboo including how it grows and how to choose the right species.

Choosing the Right Bamboo

In this section, Joe discusses how to choose the right bamboo by understanding its growth habits.

• Choosing the wrong bamboo can lead to problems in terms of selection.

• Understanding how bamboo grows is important when deciding what type of bamboo to plant where.

Overall Summary:

Joe Rafato is introduced as a skilled contractor with over 30 years of experience available to Bamboo Sorcery customers for consultation, installation, bamboo recommendations, maintenance, and more. He discusses everything you need to know about choosing and growing bamboo. Understanding how bamboo grows is important when deciding what type of bamboo to plant where.

Introduction to Bamboo

In this section, the speaker introduces bamboo and its uses.

Bamboo Uses

• Bamboo is used for various purposes such as erosion control, hillside stabilization, windbreaks, soil remediation, and biohazard uptake.

• It is also used for ornamental purposes and has beneficial qualities such as wastewater remediation and noise reduction.

Types of Bamboos

In this section, the speaker discusses the two types of bamboos: clumping bamboo and running bamboo.

Clumping Bamboo

• Clumping bamboo grows in a radial or round form.

• It does not require containment but does not do well in narrow spaces because it does not change direction.

Running Bamboo

• Running bamboo grows laterally in all directions and requires containment or lots of room to spread with no worry.

• The running rhizomes are like little railroad tracks underground with buds on them that pop up along there when they find suitable conditions.

Conclusion

In this section, the speaker concludes by summarizing the benefits of bamboo and answering questions from the audience.

Benefits of Bamboo

• Bamboo is a useful plant due to its many beneficial qualities beyond just its ornamental use.

Q&A

• The speaker's assistant confirms that everything is good to continue with the presentation.

• The speaker addresses an audience member's raised hand but is unable to do anything about it.

• The speaker suggests putting any questions in the Q&A section.

Bamboo Growth and Maintenance

In this section, the speaker discusses the growth patterns of bamboo and how to maintain it.

Growth Patterns

• Bamboo is a bunch of grass stems that grow quickly.

• Running bamboos tend to shoot in spring and summer while clumpers shoot twice a year.

• Running bamboos are more cold tolerant and heat tolerant than clumpers.

• The growth pattern is determined by species, maturity of roots, growing conditions, care, and maintenance.

Planting

• Clumpers are preferred for planting in the ground as they are simpler and more cost-effective.

• Runners are best planted in above-ground containers to prevent them from spreading uncontrollably.

Soil and Watering

• Bamboo likes good rich soil with some dirt mixed in. Lightweight mixes tend to drain too quickly.

• Regular watering is necessary as bamboo is not particularly drought-tolerant. Containers require year-round watering due to rain shedding outside the container.

• Micro spray is recommended over drip emitters or soaker hoses as it spreads water around more evenly.

Fertilizing and Pruning

• Grass food is used for fertilizing bamboo. Triple 15 fertilizer can be used three or four times a year.

• Topping bamboo does not hurt it but does not make it bush out either. Root pruning may be necessary in confined spaces or with clumping bamboos if you need them to stop growing beyond a certain diameter. Cutting off canes does not work well for reducing clumpers.

Designing with Bamboo

In this section, the speaker discusses the process of designing with bamboo and the questions they ask clients to narrow down their choices.

Questions for Clients

• The speaker asks clients where they live and where they want to plant bamboo.

• Location is important in narrowing down choices. Coastal bamboos are different from inland bamboos, and hot climates are different from moist climates.

• The speaker asks how tall the bamboo needs to get, how tall the client wants it to start with, and how big the planting area is.

• Other questions include whether there is room for clumpers, what kind of sun exposure there is, and preferences on growing habit.

Importance of Maintenance

• The speaker emphasizes that giving bamboo enough room to grow while also allowing for maintenance is crucial.

• It's important to consider whether clients will be able to access the roots for maintenance without creating a mess or damaging surrounding structures.

Examples of Bamboo Design

In this section, the speaker provides examples of bamboo design using pictures.

Large Hedge of Running Bamboo

• A large hedge of running bamboo timber planted in the ground surrounded by a heavy 80 mil plastic barrier that goes down about three feet.

• It's completely surrounded by new soil.

Wood Box with Timber Bamboo

• A wood box containing timber bamboo which won't get as big because it's only two feet wide.

• It sits on a gravel base for drainage because it's sitting on a patio.

Landscaping with Bamboo

In this section, the speaker discusses different types of planters and containers that can be used for bamboo plants.

Types of Planters and Containers

• Black bamboo and temple bamboo were used in a sandy location where excavation was not possible.

• Pressure-treated blocks were used on uneven ground to level them out.

• Galvanized containers are cost-effective and sit on a concrete slab for a nice level surface.

• Curbs with gravel were built to set containers on in a coastal application where it had to step down toward the cliff.

Growth of Bamboo Plants

• Clumping bamboo grows quickly when planted in the ground, as seen in before-and-after pictures from a job site.

• Runners are effective as screens, as seen in another before-and-after picture from a job site.

• The dwarfing effect of planters is generally half the expected height of the plant when planted in the ground.

Bamboo Fire Hazard

In this section, the speaker discusses the flammability of bamboo and its potential as a fire hazard.

Flammability and Maintenance

• Bamboo is comprised of silica, cellulose, and water, making it difficult to ignite.

• The fire department has concerns about bamboo's hollowness and proximity to houses.

• Proper maintenance is crucial in reducing the risk of fire. Pruning dead canes and cleaning out leaves are essential steps in maintaining bamboo.

Barriers for Running Bamboo

In this section, the speaker talks about barriers for running bamboo and how deep runners can go around them.

Barrier Depth

• A typical barrier depth for hedging type bamboos that grow 15 to 20 feet tall is 30 inches with a two to three-foot-wide space.

• Sandy soil allows runners to go deeper than clay soil.

• Temperature plays a role in how deep runners can go. The cooler the temperature, the less likely they are to grow deeper.

Habitat Quality of Bamboo

In this section, the speaker discusses whether bamboo is beneficial to local critters.

Wildlife Interaction

• Birds love nesting in bamboo.

• Deer do not eat bamboo, making it deer-proof.

• Generally speaking, there isn't much living in bamboo that people want.

Water Use and Habitat of Bamboo

In this section, the speaker discusses the water use and habitat of bamboo.

Water Use

• The amount of water needed for bamboo depends on the application.

• New plantings require more water than middle-aged plantings.

• Old plantings that have become root-bound need more water.

• Bamboo is fairly habitat-neutral and can grow in various landscapes.

Habitat

• Deer sleep in bamboo, birds like it, and squirrels scamper around in it.

• Squirrels may eat new shoots but generally don't if there are other food sources available.

Runner Containment Options

In this section, the speaker talks about runner containment options for bamboo.

• Wire or fish line can be used to keep some species of bamboo vertical.

• Posts can be set at either end with braided cable turnbuckle systems that are cross-tied every so often.

• These systems need to be removable because new growth will occur outside of those cables.

Lifespan of Running Bamboo in Containers

In this section, the speaker discusses how long running bamboo planted in containers lasts and whether they need to be divided.

• The average lifespan is around 10 years depending on care and maintenance.

• Thinning and pruning reduce photosynthesis which reduces root growth that slows down growth.

• Balancing out fertilizer helps promote less root growth by sticking more to nitrogen rather than just pumping it full of nutrients across the board in PK.

• Controlling water so it's adequate but not flushing out nutrients or underwatering can also help prolong its lifespan.

Favorite Clumper for East Bay Berkeley Oakland Area

In this section, the speaker shares their favorite clumpers and their characteristics.

• The speaker's favorite clumper is Chimona Calamus Palans (CCPA), also known as gray bamboo.

• It grows 20 to 25 feet tall and has inch-and-a-half canes.

Characteristics of Bamboo

In this section, the speaker talks about the characteristics of bamboo and its growth patterns.

Types of Bamboo

• Bamboo is fast-growing and can grow in coastal California in dappled light to full sun.

• Bambooza Textilus Gracilis (BTG) is a popular clumper that grows 20 to 25 feet tall and is cold tolerant. It requires at least half-day sun.

• Candy Stripe Bamboo has beautiful pink and green stripes on the canes, grows very erect, and requires at least half-day sun.

• Chocolate Bamboo turns chocolatey brown in the sun and has a beautiful form.

Planting Clumpers

• Clumpers should be planted three to five feet apart depending on species, growing space, and immediate need.

• Runners should be planted closer together than clumpers.

Companion Plants for Bamboo

In this section, the speaker discusses companion plants for bamboo.

Companion Plants

• Ferns and grasses are good companion plants for bamboo in naturalized settings.

• In containers or small spaces, it's best to give all the space to bamboo or plant short-term annual color.

Drainage Holes in Containers

In this section, the speaker talks about drainage holes in containers for bamboo.

Galvanized Containers

• The first rule of thumb with bamboo is not to put a hole where you can't see it.

• Holes should be placed in the side of the container, not on the backside if it's up against a fence.

• Galvanized containers should be set on hardscape or a gravel bed.

Drainage and Soil for Bamboo

The speaker discusses the importance of proper drainage and soil for growing bamboo in containers.

Coarse Gravel or Lava Rock

• Use 2-3 inches of coarse gravel or lava rock in the bottom of the container to create a drain layer.

• Cover the holes with gravel to prevent standing water.

• Prevent constant wicking up of water by keeping the soil from getting too wet.

Air Gap Under Wood Boxes

• Place wood boxes on skids that are about 2.5 inches high to create an air gap underneath.

• Drill holes through the bottom and ask clients to check once a year for any roots peeking out.

• Cut off any roots that are trying to escape, as it is usually time to divide the bamboo at this point.

Drain Holes

• Use 5/8" - 3/4" holes spaced about a foot apart in the container.

• Do not use just the drain hole plug that comes with galvanized containers, as it is too high and can cause standing water in the bottom.

• Make sure you can see the holes so you can keep an eye on them.

Clumping vs Running Bamboo in Containers

The speaker discusses whether clumping or running bamboo is better suited for container growth.

Form and Pruning

• Running bamboo has a classic upright form that looks like little trees, while clumping bamboo tends to look more like bushes.

• Both types can be pruned to be more open, but running bamboo tends to be more formal-looking when pruned this way.

Pot Selection

• Avoid using pots with narrow openings that pinch together at the mouth because they will trap expanding roots and make it difficult to remove the bamboo.

• Use pots with flared openings and minimal ornamentation to prevent roots from molding themselves to the interior of the pot.

Risk in Pots

• There is no risk in growing bamboo in containers as long as you are smart about it.

• Do not bury the pot with drain holes underground, set it up on hardscape or blocks so you can see what's going on and keep an eye on it.

Propagation Techniques for Bamboo

The speaker discusses different techniques for propagating bamboo.

Root Division

• Root division works well for both clumping and running bamboo.

• Seasonal differences affect when to acquire and plant roots.

Cane Cuttings

• Take a piece of cane, cut between the nodes, remove all branches, and bury it in lightweight soil.

• It will send out roots from that node and branches to make babies.

• This is the preferred technique at this location because it is pretty foolproof if done at the right time of year under the right conditions.

Tissue Culture Plants

• Tissue culture plants can be bought but there have been instances where what was purchased was not what was expected.

• Growth should be similar if you know what you are buying.

Subtropical and Tropical Plants

In this section, the speaker discusses different types of subtropical and tropical plants that are suitable for indoor atriums or outdoor gardens.

Types of Subtropical and Tropical Plants

• There are new cultivars of textiles with white stripes on the cane.

• Bamboo salako is a black clumping tropical plant that makes better houseplants because they don't need cold.

• The speaker mentions that there are no crazy new bamboos but ornamentals like chocolate bamboo and gray bamboo are stunning.

Fire Resistance of Bamboo

In this section, the speaker talks about how fire-resistant combs shed by bamboo plants on the ground are.

Fire Resistance of Combs Shed by Bamboo Plants

• Once dry, calm sheaths and leaves become tender which can be a fire hazard.

Flowering Cycle of Bamboo

In this section, the speaker explains why bamboo flowers and what happens when it does.

Why Does Bamboo Flower?

• Stress flowering occurs when bamboo is root-bound, hasn't been watered or fertilized in years, or is completely stressed out.

• Gregarious flowering is a worldwide event where all plants die around the world after flowering. It's hard to predict when it will happen but growers keep an eye on it.

Removal and Division of Clumpers Like Cold Army

In this section, the speaker discusses best practices for removing and dividing clumpers like cold army bamboo.

Best Practices for Removal and Division of Clumpers

• Removal is different from division.

• The speaker does not provide any information on removal but mentions that division should be done in early spring or late fall when the plant is dormant.

• The speaker advises using a sharp spade to divide the plant into sections with at least one culm and root mass per section.

• After division, water the plant well and keep it moist until new growth appears.

Removing and Harvesting Bamboo

In this section, the speaker discusses how to remove and harvest bamboo. They explain that removing bamboo involves digging down to find the perimeter of the root ball and using leverage from the canes to pry out a chunk of roots. For harvesting, timing is important as it affects the growth of new shoots. The speaker also explains that there is a proportion between how much root you get and how much cane you're trying to save.

Removing Bamboo

• Bamboo roots are dense and hard to remove with tools.

• To remove a clump of bamboo, dig down around the perimeter of the existing root ball.

• Use chainsaws or sawzalls to cut out a big chunk of roots.

• Pry while people pull sideways on the canes for leverage.

Harvesting Bamboo

• Timing is important when harvesting bamboo.

• Roots are primed in late spring/early summer before their spring/summer shoot.

• There's a proportion between how much root you get and how much cane you're trying to save.

• Harvest runners in winter time when they're dormant.

Proper Pruning and Thinning

In this section, the speaker discusses proper pruning and thinning techniques for bamboo. They explain that it's best not to start with too much thinning right away because it slows down growth. It's better to let them grow out for a couple years before starting any bending or pruning.

Pruning Techniques

• Don't start with too much thinning right away.

• Let bamboo grow out for a couple years before starting any bending or pruning.

• Dead canes should be removed first.

Thinning Techniques

• Start with removing the dead stuff or canes that are growing sideways.

• Don't start with too much thinning right away because it slows down growth.

Pruning and Controlling Growth of Bamboo

In this section, the speaker discusses how to prune running bamboos and clumpers. They also talk about controlling the growth of clumpers in containers or raised beds.

Pruning Running Bamboos

• Let everything grow through the shooting season.

• Dead cane thin out the small stuff, limb them up top.

• When topping, go right above the branching node to avoid dead sticks on branches inside.

• For thinning, cut off right at the ground.

Pruning Clumpers

• Do aesthetic pruning when shoots have hardened off in late summer or late winter.

• Same as runners for containers; thin and prune them.

• Dig down next to it on the side that you want to remove and then cut into the root mass and peel them off sideways and pull them out for clumpers in-ground.

• Put clumpers in raised beds that can be deconstructed when they get full or rock rings.

Popularity of Bamboo Plants

• Bamboo plants are popular because they are a quick-growing privacy screen.

• With people working from home more often, bamboo plants have become even more popular.

Benefits of Bamboo

In this section, the speaker talks about the benefits of bamboo beyond just screening. He also shares his personal experience with bamboo and how it almost has the quality of a pet.

• Bamboo is comforting in uncertain times.

• There are many benefits to bamboo beyond just screening.

• Bamboo has the quality of a pet and can make demands on you but also give you beauty and satisfaction.

Tallest and Shortest Bamboo

In this section, the speaker answers two questions: what's the tallest bamboo and what's the shortest bamboo.

• The tallest clumper is bamboozled homie eye.

• The tallest runner in Northern California would probably be phillistacky's vivax or phillistacky's bamboozoities.

• The shortest would be pleoblastus disticus mini which grows about a foot tall.

Uses for Timber Bamboo

In this section, the speaker talks about how he uses timber bamboo.

• Timber bamboo is mostly used as stakes for tying things up in vegetable gardens.

• Chesquias clumpers from South America are solid canes that last forever and make great tomato tripods or bean poles.

• Biochar can be made out of dead cane or thin groves by bundling them together into bundles, burning them, crunching them up, adding compost tea to inoculate it with nutrients, then adding it to soil as a useful soil additive.

Liner for Wood Container

In this section, the speaker explains what liner he refers to when talking about wood containers.

• Pond liners are soft and rubbery while water barriers are harder recycled plastic 60 ml 80 ml that come in rolls.

• The liner used in boxes is only 40 mil and is sold as bamboo barrier or water barrier but it's not pond liner.

Bamboo Varieties at Local Hardware Store Nursery

In this section, the speaker talks about the most common bamboo varieties that can be found at local hardware store nurseries.

• Phyllis decky's aurea golden bamboo is probably the most popular running bamboo and can be found at Home Depot occasionally or hardware stores.

• Bamboosa multiplex alphonse cars is probably the most popular clumper and makes a pretty easy-to-control dense hedge.

Types of Bamboo and Where to Find Them

In this section, the speaker discusses different types of bamboo and where to find them.

Types of Bamboo

• The speaker mentions two types of bamboo: stress flower and gregarious flower.

• Buddha belly is a common type of clumping bamboo that can be found easily.

• If you are unsure about a particular type of bamboo, you can email the speaker for more information.

Finding Bamboo

• The speaker advises that it's best to let bamboo come to you instead of searching for it.

• Emailing the speaker is a good way to get accurate information about a specific type of bamboo.

Cost and Containment Options for Installing Bamboo

In this section, the speaker talks about the cost and containment options for installing bamboo.

Cost

• Running bamboo is more expensive than clumping bamboo because there are access issues, poor soil quality, property line restrictions, travel time, etc.

• The cost of containers versus containment in the ground is comparable commercially.

Containment Options

• Galvanized containers or custom-made wood boxes are less expensive than trenching in the ground with root barrier if done by professionals.

• Containers have upfront costs but require less long-term maintenance compared to containment in the ground.

Planting Clumpers and Attracting Beneficial Insects

In this section, the speaker discusses planting clumpers and whether or not bamboo attracts beneficial insects.

Planting Clumpers

• The speaker recommends planting smaller clumpers like Alphonse Car at least 4 feet away from walls or fences and 2 feet off the wall.

• Bigger clumpers should be planted 5-6 feet away from walls or fences and 3 feet off the wall.

Beneficial Insects

• Bamboo does not flower regularly, so it does not attract bees. However, it can attract birds that nest in it. Its benefits are more related to sound filtering, air filtering, and bio remediation.

Types of Bamboo for Different Soil Types and Slopes

In this section, the speaker discusses which types of bamboo work best in clay soil and slopes with partial sun.

Planting Bamboo on a Slope

• Rather than cutting into the slope, build up below and get some good soil above ground.

• Mound plant clumping bamboo as they tend to mound up as they grow so they can be planted partially in, partially out.

• The issue with clay would be drainage. If it's really dense undraining clay, you'd want to dig down more deeply.

Choosing the Right Bamboo

• The answer to which bamboo would depend on how much room is available, how tall it needs to be, and what you want it to do.

• Bamboo is a fun landscaping plant that can solve some crazy landscaping problems.

Thank You Message

In this section, the speaker receives a thank you message from one of the attendees.

• Attendee thanks the speaker for being an APLD sponsor and giving an informative presentation.

• Speaker invites attendees to ask any bamboo-related questions and provides contact information.

• Another attendee thanks the speaker for their presentation.

• Speaker shares information about an upcoming biodiversity symposium and encourages attendees to register.

• Speaker emphasizes that attending events like these are safe during COVID times since they are outside where social distancing is easy.