Is it a non-permeable plastic root barrier? If so, the tree roots won't go through it.

what kind of bamboo ...

are you trying to stop the spread of the B ... or deter the trees from the B ...

and why is either of those a concern????

im wondering if you arent overthinking this???

ken

They shouldn't. Commercial bamboo barrier is the same material they use as a root barrier for containing aggressive tree roots. I would just obtain the thickest/toughest grade you can find, typically 80 mil.

Yea they will be the black plastic barrier. And ken I don't even have the bamboos yet but they will be phyllostachys. I'm only concerned because If the big tree roots penetrate my bamboo barrier then the bamboo can escape from there

Heavy plastic and products such as BioBarrier which combines a physical barrier with a slow release chemical that inhibits root growth should work for some time if installed very carefully. That means a lot of digging, removal of any stones that may cause tears, not even a pinhole size puncture, close attention to the surface where the barrier overlaps the existing soil. Even if done perfectly, I would not bet against plants with ultra aggressive root systems such as Norway maple or many species of bamboo. These will attempt to exploit the tiniest opening and try to go over, under and around any barrier. Things may be fine for 5 years or 10 years, but then...

Special in-ground pots for bamboo used to be sold. They were made from heavy plastic and had an internal shape that allegedly kept the bamboo confined. How well they worked or if they are still available I don't know, but it might be worth checking.

The barrier should be slanted so that when the bamboo culms encounter the barrier they're directed up, rather than down and under.

Can everyone see what's in the future with this scenario?

If you mow around the bamboo, it shouldn't cause a problem

Bamboo barrier is pretty darn effective in restricting bamboo spread. And the heavy duty 80 mil stuff is quite difficult to punch through or penetrate easily. It even takes some effort and a very sharp implement to cut!! But it is not a 'plant and forget situation'. The bamboo will need regular attention - annual rhizome pruning - and the barrier is not 100% foolproof. And you need to have a 2-4 inch lip of barrier above the soil surface to restrain any surface rhizomes, otherwise, they will jump the barrier.

Phyllostachys is one of the most aggressive of the spreading/running types. I agree that a clumping form like the Fargesias would be much easier to deal with and with virtually no chance of causing either you, your neighbors or any future inhabitants grief.

It is very effective indeed. I have 2 locations in my yard full of phyllostachys and we have barriers for both. One of them had a slight opening and we knew that. So 2 small bamboo shoots came out in a different location but thats it. The other location we have not had any invasion anywhere. We had these bamboos for like 12 years. The barrier has like a 2 inch lip yes.

What exactly is the clumping one? I want to plant bamboo for a privacy hedge so I don't have to see my neighbors dirty yard. So I want the space to fill in quickly. And does the clumping type grow as fast?

Do some research on 'clumping bamboos'. There are a number of species but Fargesias are some of the most common and readily available and also some of the most cold tolerant of bamboos. They grow exactly like the running types except that the rhizomes do not spread aggressively but continue to expand slowly to increase the size of the clump, just like a very large ornamental grass.....which is essentially what they are.

They make just as effective a privacy screen as do the running bamboos but without 99% of the hassle.

If you go with an invasive type, do your neighbors a favor. In your will set up a trust so there will be money to remove the bamboo or keep it in check forever. That way if your home falls empty the neighborhood doesn't become your victim.