Running Bamboo Control Ordinance Enforced
Effective January, 2023, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance requiring that running bamboo – any bamboo characterized by aggressive spreading behavior – must be contained on an owner’s property or the property owner may be subject to a fine. Running bamboo is a fast-growing invasive grass that spreads aggressively underground through its horizontal root system (rhizomes) as much as 15 feet a year. It can take over yards, cross property lines, damage the natural environment and penetrate drains, concrete and other structures.
Under this ordinance, the property owner must not allow running bamboo to spread beyond the property line to any adjoining property or any public right of way through its underground roots. This requirement applies to the current owner or tenant even if they did not plant the running bamboo. It is enforced on an individual complaint basis. After the issuance of a Notice of Violation, each day the running bamboo remains uncontained may result in a $50 fine, up to $2000 over a 12-month period, with possible additional penalties if the bamboo spreads to an adjacent property.
Running bamboo is difficult to remove or control. Fairfax County outlines several methods:
- Containment with a strong root barrier material, 36” high with 30” below ground
- Containment by mowing and high concentration herbicides
- Removal with heavy equipment, with waste processed as trash
Complaints about uncontained running bamboo may be made by visiting the Department of Code Compliance website or calling 703-324-1300. Click here for more information about the ordinance.