Bamboo chaos in the Traunstein district: garden owners on alert!
Bamboo is spreading uncontrollably in the Traunstein district, which could pose flood risks. Experts warn and give recommendations for action to combat it.

Bamboo chaos in the Traunstein district: garden owners on alert!
In recent weeks, unchecked bamboo growth has been causing a stir in the Traunstein district. Loud Innsalzach24 The water management office warned of the possible consequences, which can be particularly worrying if there is a threat of flooding. A specific case in which a meter-high thicket of bamboo and garden waste is created shows how serious the situation has become.
There is a narrow green strip here that separates private properties from an adjacent stream. During floods, garden waste and bamboo plants could be carried away and spread elsewhere. Interestingly, this problematic bamboo species comes from the genus Phyllostachys, which spreads through underground rhizomes and tolerates moisture well.
Bamboo Growth Risks and Solutions
The sudden increase in bamboo growth in the region requires quick action from garden owners. Horticulture Alfred explains that if not properly controlled, bamboo can quickly become a pest that crowds out other plants. To counteract this, garden owners should take a few measures:
- Rhizomsperre installieren: Aus starkem Material, mindestens 60-70 cm tief eingraben, damit die Rhizome nicht durchbrechen können.
- Regelmäßiges Schneiden: Neue Triebe zurückschneiden, um das Wachstum zu begrenzen.
- Wurzeln entfernen: Um sicherzustellen, dass kein erneutes Austreiben erfolgt, sollten Wurzelstücke gründlich ausgegraben werden.
- Chemische Kontrolle: Sollte als letzte Möglichkeit betrachtet werden, da Umweltauswirkungen bedacht werden müssen.
- Alternative Bepflanzung: Überlegen, ob weniger invasive Pflanzen als Ersatz für Bambus geeignet sind.
If the spread of the bamboo exceeds the dimensions, it may be advisable to seek professional help, such as that offered by gardening and landscaping companies.
Bamboo – curse or blessing?
Bamboo is particularly popular in Asian garden culture because it offers many advantages. It is not only visually appealing, but also allows for quick privacy protection. It is considered wintergreen and symbolizes values such as steadfastness, humility and purity in Japanese culture japanese-garden.eu explained. But not all that glitters is gold: some species, especially those of the genus Phyllostachys, are extremely invasive.
The rhizomes of these species can grow several meters per year and form new shoots in unwanted places. The consequences should not be underestimated: overgrowth on neighboring properties, damage to pavement and difficult removal of roots are just some of the problems that can arise. Once the bamboo has taken hold, removing it becomes a real challenge.
A tip for everyone who still doesn't want to do without bamboo: choose less invasive, clump-forming bamboo species. The Fargesia genus offers numerous possibilities without the problem of rhizomes.
To be on the safe side, garden owners should do their research before purchasing a type of bamboo. With existing bamboo, the rhizomes need to be dug out and the shoots cut back regularly to maintain control of the plant.
In order to avoid serious fines, which can range from 10 to 50 euros for illegal disposal of garden waste, it is very important to dispose of it correctly in the organic waste bin or at the recycling center.
It is clear that the uncontrolled growth of bamboo brings both risks and solutions. With the right measures, garden owners can create a harmonious green corner that is not only aesthetic but also does not become a burden to the neighbors.