Low Country Bamboo
843.754.1094
Charleston, SC
Bamboo Benefits
Privacy
Due to the fast growth rate, bamboo is a great solution for a natural privacy barrier. The type of clumping bamboo needs to be considered for the situation.
Privacy at a 6 ft height can be obtained using Bambusa Multiplex varieties, which tend to be shorter and have smaller diameter culms that are easily pruned. The bamboo can be trimmed at the top to create denser coverage of leaves at eye level. Privacy at higher levels involves more careful consideration. Many bamboo varieties will not send branches at lower nodes (nearest to the ground).
If privacy is desired at all levels, the bamboo type should be selected appropriately. Alternatively, multiple layers of bamboo could be planted to achieve a privacy screen at all levels.
Another consideration will be the available space and shape of the bamboo. Some varieties provide a “graceful” or weeping appearance, which will extend the diameter of the space consumed. Other varieties grow in tight clumps and have thick-walled culms to prevent the arching effect.
Environmental
Bamboo boasts many environmental benefits including carbon capture, promotion of ecosystem health, soil retention, sustainable growth, and provision of a natural wind and sound barrier. It is well known that the rapid growth creates an efficient means to convert carbon dioxide to oxygen. In general, creating opportunity for tall plants will promote soil health and promote activity of life for a
range of organisms (from those in the soil to the birds in the air). Bamboo will remain evergreen (aside from extreme freezing) and will periodically drop leaves to replenish the soil. This cycle will promote soil heath as nutrients are consumed and returned to the soil to feed other organisms.
While the primary nutrient storage of bamboo is in the woody rhizome, the bamboo will send far reaching roots. These roots are light and will not interfere with landscaping across the yard, but they will provide the benefit of soil retention. During the heavy rainfall in Charleston, the bamboo help prevent soil erosion.
Bamboo readily thrives without the use of fertilizer, which not only makes it easier to grow, but can eliminate the potential effects of fertilizer run-off to the water systems. Bamboo provides a flexible structure that readily absorbs energy from wind. This provides an excellent solution for a wind barrier, particularly for regions with the potential of tropical storms and hurricanes. Additionally, the foliage cover will help provide a means to dissipate sound.
Practical
It is well known that bamboo is used for industrial applications (construction, fabric, etc). The preferred bamboo varieties for these applications will not necessarily include the clumping bamboo offered here, but there is opportunity to test out these cold hardy clumping varieties. If this is a consideration, then the culm thickness and straightness of the culm should be evaluated.
Edible
Bamboo may also be consumed. Asian cuisine incorporates prepared bamboo shoots, such as in Thai Red Curry dishes. Care must be taken to ensure safe food prepared when consumed, as cyanide must be removed. The cyanide content varies for bamboo variety, but care must be taken to be safe. The edibility of bamboo ranges for each variety, and only select clumping varieties offered here have been
recommended (such as Oldhamii).
Tea
Bamboo can also be use to make a light and mild flavored, caffeine free tea. It is rich in silica, which can help promote healthier hair, skin and nails. It also contains antioxidants and other minerals beneficial to our health, and can help with digestion, diarrhea and bloating. The recommendation is to drink a daily cup of bamboo tea for 1-3 months before realizing the benefits in hair, skin, or nails.
Bamboo tea is readily available for purchase. Or even better, make it from your own bamboo! Making bamboo tea is the same as other teas, the leaves are dried and steeped in boiling water (4-5 minutes). View the bamboo descriptions to see some recommendations for good tasting bamboo tea.
