Does anyone have some extra bamboo they can spare? don't like hedges, would like bamboo. at least bamboo can be used for projects, too!

I'm looking for large bamboo (like Timber Bamboo) to plant as a screen between us and the neighbors. We live in zone 7 or so.

I think you're out of luck. Any clumpers that would survive your climate (same as mine pretty much) would not be very upright, and would take probably 5 years to reach the height you want. How about running bamboo in large pots? Might be worth a try, although I'd be most concerned about winter damage.

Hi. I'm in LA too. Can the branches be wider than 12" ? Do you need coverage low or just high for the upper level windows? If the plant can only be 12" wide its really too narrow of a space for total coverage because you will only have the stalks (called culms). If you only need coverage higher up and you can let the branches grow out then you have a better chance of coverage. I don't know of any bamboo that will stay only 12" wide at the base. If there is a deep barrier (1' for a clumper or 2' for a runner) then the bamboo will stay where you want it. Or you can put in bamboo barrier and not have to worry about it. Otherwise I would suggest a fence and a trellis/lattice above it, possibly with a vine. For narrow, very upright, shorter bamboos Check out Thamnocalamus, Fargesia nigra, Alphonse Karr, Chimonobambusa marmorea (runner) or maybe Tootsik (runner). Just Google them and you will see lots of photos and info.