Planting Instructions
Your bamboo is ready to thrive — and getting it in the ground takes about 30 minutes. Follow these six steps and you'll be well on your way to a lush privacy screen or grove.
Gather suppliesComposted manure, a shovel, a knife or scissors, mulch, and your bamboo.
Unwrap the rootsCut away every layer of packaging and gently free the root ball.
Dig the holeDig a hole about twice the width of the root ball, and just as deep.
Set & backfillKeep the top of the root ball level with the soil, then backfill with native soil mixed with composted manure.
Water it inSoak thoroughly to settle the soil and clear air pockets; top up any soil that sinks.
Mulch & feedMulch to lock in moisture, then feed in early spring and fall. See our fertilizers →
Planting tips for the best start
When to plant
Bamboo can go in the ground almost any time the soil isn't frozen, but spring and fall are ideal — roots establish in mild weather before the stress of summer heat or hard winter cold.
Spacing for a privacy screen
For a fast, dense screen, plant on 5-foot centers or closer. The tighter the spacing and the larger your starting plants, the sooner you'll have a solid wall of green. You really can't over-plant bamboo. How bamboo grows →
Watering the first season
Keep the soil evenly moist (never soggy) for the first couple of months while roots establish. After that, bamboo is quite drought-tolerant — though it always appreciates a deep drink in dry spells.
Containing running bamboo
Planting a running species and want to define exactly where it grows? The easiest time to install Bamboo Shield root barrier is right now, at planting. Not sure which type you have? →
Don't worry about a little leaf drop
Some yellowing or leaf drop after planting is completely normal — your bamboo is settling in and will flush fresh leaves in spring. Our healthy-arrival guarantee has you covered if anything looks truly wrong.