Bamboo Weaving History Connecting Sawali Patterns and Arnis

The Philippines boasts a rich tapestry of cultural traditions, each thread woven with ingenuity, resilience, and a deep connection to nature. Among these threads lie the intricate art of Sawali weaving and the dynamic martial art of Arnis, seemingly disparate practices that share surprising connections.

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The Art of Sawali - From Bamboo Strips to Living Walls

Imagine homes that breathe, walls that whisper tales of sun and rain. This is the magic of Sawali, an age-old weaving technique that transforms humble bamboo strips into living walls. 

Skilled artisans meticulously split and weave the bamboo, their hands guided by generations-old patterns. Each design, from the geometric precision of "banig" to the flowing artistry of "binanib", tells a story, reflecting regional traditions and the weaver's unique touch.

One such pattern, the captivating figure-eight, stands out for its elegance and complexity. Weaving it requires a masterful dance of the hands, manipulating the bamboo-like threads on a loom. This pattern, with its interwoven loops and continuous flow, embodies the very essence of Sawali - strength, flexibility, and an enduring connection to the natural world.

Roots of Arnis in Filipino History

But the story doesn't end at the walls. Look closer, and you'll see the echoes of Sawali in the lightning-fast movements of Arnis, the national martial art of the Philippines. Its origins lie in the pre-colonial era, where warriors honed their skills using indigenous weapons like sticks and blades. 

The art form evolved, incorporating influences from various cultures, yet retaining its core principles of self-defence, discipline, and respect.

Arnis movements, like the figure-eight flourish, are imbued with symbolism and philosophy. The fluid rotations echo the weaver's hand, each strike a testament to years of practice and dedication. The art form transcends mere physical combat; it's a cultural expression, a dance of warrior spirit and unwavering focus.

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Weaving Threads Together - Exploring the Interconnections

Delving deeper, we discover the fascinating parallels between Sawali and Arnis. Both are rooted in resourcefulness, transforming readily available materials – bamboo for the weaver, sticks for the fighter – into instruments of beauty and power. Both demand precision, discipline, and a deep understanding of rhythm and flow. And both, at their core, celebrate the Filipino spirit of resilience and adaptability.

he figure-eight pattern serves as a powerful symbol of this interconnectedness. It represents the cyclical nature of life, the constant ebb and flow of defence and offence, and the enduring strength found in unity. It's a testament to the Filipino people's ability to weave their history, culture, and fighting spirit into a vibrant tapestry that continues to inspire generations.

Contemporary artists and practitioners are actively exploring these connections. Weavers incorporate Arnis-inspired patterns into their work, while Arnisadors draw inspiration from the focus and discipline of the weaving process. These efforts ensure that the threads of Sawali and Arnis remain vibrant, reminding us of the rich cultural heritage that binds them together.

Connections Between Sawali Patterns and Arnis

In conclusion, Sawali and Arnis are not merely cultural practices; they are living testaments to the Filipino spirit. They whisper stories of resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep connection to nature. As we explore their interconnectedness, we gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of these traditions and the vibrant tapestry they weave into the fabric of Filipino identity.

How to remove bamboo roots from yard [Video]

The best way to remove bamboo from the yard is to dig out the entire bamboo plant or the parts to be removed. 

Bamboo stems are joined to the rhizomes that grow just below the topsoil. By uprooting the rhizomes, you can contain bamboo from spreading.

Note that although the bamboo roots are not deep in the soil, the intricate network of roots and rhizomes is often difficult to deal with using hand tools.

Recommended tools

• Pickaxe/shovel
• Garden rake.
• Pairs of secateurs or garden loppers.
• Pots and containers for holding cuttings.

Buy the best tools for removing bamboo online.

 

How to remove bamboo roots

Step 1: Cut down the culms (stems), remove the branches and store the bamboo canes for future use.

Step 2: The rhizomes grow on the top layer of the soil, so dig down, along with or around the bamboo plant. Cut all the rhizomes and pull them out.

Step 3: You will also have to remove the whole bamboo buds and clumped base. Put a pickaxe through the base of the bamboo and remove them one by one. Use a pair of secateurs or garden loppers to cut the rhizomes into smaller pieces.

Step 4: Remove any soil around the bamboo roots and base of the parent plant. Keep the cutting in direct sun or pour boiling water on them to stop the cutting from growing again.

Related article: 4 non-chemical ways to remove bamboo plants permanently.

 

Tip #1: Cut bamboo stems

Select and cut the bamboo stems (culms), you want to remove, close to the ground. The tools that you choose to use for cutting the culms depend on their sizes.

For the smaller clump-forming and running bamboos, you will require a pair of secateurs or garden loppers. The big bamboo plants will require an electric saw or hand saw to remove and cut the thick culms.

Cut the bamboo stems horizontally (neatly across), close to the node as possible so that you have a nice and neat space to work. 

Do not cut the stem across the note to avoid any pointy ends sticking out.

Collect the use bamboo sticks in the garden.

Tip #2: Dig bamboo roots and rhizomes

If you want to completely kill the bamboo, you must remove all the rhizomes.

Start by digging 20 – 30cm around the bamboo plant to expose the root hairs and rhizomes. (The best tool for this job is the pickaxe). Cut any rhizomes that you see and remove the soil as you dig.

Carefully store the rhizomes cuttings in a large pot or bin for a few weeks before discarding them from your property.

Tip #3: Remove bamboo rhizomes

Bamboo roots do not grow deep into the soil. As a grass variety, the roots and horizontal stems (also called rhizomes) are often found at the top 20 – 30cm of the topsoil.

That does not mean it is easy to remove bamboo roots from your yard.

The root hairs and intertwined rhizomes network under the soil require a lot of digging, cutting, pulling and removing.

Tip #4: Prepare work area

Before starting, inspect the bamboo to understand how much work you can do in one hour and how long it will take to complete it.

Removing bamboo roots is painstaking work if you are doing it yourself, so prepare well for the job. 

The right tools and preparations are important for getting the job done.

Prepare the cuttings collection bins, tools and gloves and anything you may need.

All in all, remove the bamboo stems, branches and leaves. Then, dip up the rhizomes, cut them into smaller bits, and leave them to dry before binning them.

Best ways to keep squirrels away from strawberries and tomato fruit

Squirrels can cause a lot of damage in the garden, especially when it comes to fruiting plants such as tomatoes and strawberries.

So how can you keep squirrels away from the ripe fruit and berries?

Here are three tried and tested DIY methods that work every time. 

Garden net

Building a garden net is the best way to stop squirrels from stealing ripe tomatoes and strawberries.

Here is what we did last summer to keep the squirrels away.

Fruit shopping bags

The fruit-netted shopping bags work wonders when it comes to preventing the squirrels from getting to fruit and berries.

Check out the fruit cage for sale.

You can also use the Ziploc bags and Covid19 kit bags.

Put the bunch of new fruit inside a bag or the bag over the pot and seal it off.

Here is a photo of how we used the fruit-netted shopping bags.

Netted shopping bag keeping Squirrels away from ripe strawberries

Bamboo wind chime (natural squirrel repellant)

A bamboo wind chime makes beautiful musical sounds in the rustle of the wind. Place the wind chime close to where the plants are fruiting.

The sounds and gentle movement of the bamboo wind chime are natural squirrel repellants.

Bamboo wind chime on tomato frame to deter squirrels

Squirrel deterrent spikes

Tomato plants and strawberries grown in pots are very easy to protect with a few bamboo skewers.

Place the skewers with the pointed edge facing upwards to stop squirrels in their tracks.

The bamboo spikes are good squirrel deterrents. 

They will leave the ripe tomatoes alone.

Other squirrel deterrents

There are possibly many ways to deter rodent from tomatoes, strawberries, carrots and other fruit, berries and veggies.

The three are tried and tested methods that work every time.

Let us know if you have an effective way to keep squirrels away from tomatoes and strawberries

How to make tomato plants produce more fruit?

Want to know the best way to make tomato plants produce more fruit? There is no hidden secret but to encourage the plant to produce more flowers - the more flowers, the more tomato fruit. 

This video shows how we build a bamboo frame for the tomato plants and encourage more flowers. 

How to make tomato plants produce more fruit?

Many factors affect the growth and fruiting of tomato plants. The common factors include soil, temperature, water and weather. 

Come factor we can control, others are natural and we are dependent on them to give us good harvests.

As far as the much-loved tomato plants are concerned, growers need to provide the best condition for the to give more fruit. And, leave the rest to nature to do its bit. 

Get the Tomato Grow Bags from the UK suppliers

Prune tomato plants for more fruit

You can prune tomato plants to produce more fruit. 

Remove the early leaves to channel the energy into the main plant to produce more flowers and more fruit. 

Also, remove the tips so that the tomato plant does not grow too tall, or too short.

Yet, for tomato plants to produce more fruit they must have lots of flowers. And the flowers must be successfully pollinated, either manually or by bees.

How tall can you let tomato plants grow?

But, how can you get the balance between pruning and the height of the tomato plant so that they produce lots of fruit in summer?

It is important to gardeners that more flowers means more fruit. 

Tomato plants flower at different stages. That means that they fruit at different stages, too.

So, if you want more fruit, you'll have to let the tomato flower at 3 or 4 different stages which means that you'll have tall plants that need support.

Build a strong bamboo frame using bamboo sticks to support the tall tomato plants. [SEE VIDEOS]

So, grow your tomato plants early in summer in nutrient-rich soil, grow bags and pots.

Encourage more flowers by not snipping the tips off early. Get the balance between prunning, watering and staking right.

That way, your tomato plants will produce more fruit.

Let us know what you think in the comment section below.

Bamboo craft ideas: Making bamboo flute, mask, aeroplane [Images]

There are many bamboo craft ideas, some require skills while others are simple and fun, and anyone can do it. 

You can use the canes, sheaths, branches and rhizomes to make fun things with kids. Here are photos of some bamboo crafts that will inspire you.

Bamboo aeroplane propeller

This bamboo craft idea is my favourite. The bamboo sheath propeller models a light aircraft propeller.

You can put a toothpick or small metal through the hole and fly it. 

To fly it, hold it up to the wind and run. It will go around like a propeller.

Mini raft made from bamboo canes

We used the bamboo canes to build a mini-raft and it was lots of fun - see the video here. (Let us know what you think).

DIY Bamboo flute

If you have a straight bamboo piece, you can make a cool bamboo pipe flute.

Bamboo face mask

You can make cool bamboo facemask using bamboo sheaths. Great for Halloween parties. 

Bamboo craft ideas for kids

Not only in the garden, but bamboo canes are great materials for kids' crafts. 

If you are creative and crafty, you can make a lot of useful and or fun things using bamboo canes.

It is important for adults to help when preparing the canes.

The light and hollow canes, their flexibility for bending, and ease of snap-cutting are features that are ideal for creating fun outdoor crafts.

Bamboo digging tools UK

It could be tricky to work with bamboo at any time of the year. And, it can be hard work to maintain a bamboo grove. 

Here are tips and a video that will help you choose the right tool and find the right time to maintain your bamboo plants.

When is the best time to maintain bamboo plants? 

You can remove bamboo plants at any time. But to maintain your plants, you've got to do it when the bamboo growth is prominent, especially in Spring and Summer.

Early Spring and late Summer are the best times to maintain your bamboo plant. 

It is an ideal time for thinning, pruning, mulching and applying fertilisers.

It is also the ideal time to remove the bamboo rhizome and dead plants.

Bamboo digging tools and care materials

Here are some tools and materials that you will need for thinning, pruning, mulching, and generally maintaining your bamboo.

Tools: (Buy bamboo digging tools at B&Q DIY)

• Crowbar or pick axe
• Garden fork
• Shovel
• Pair of secateurs
• Pair of garden loppers

Materials: (Check out the materials at YouGarden UK)

• Garden ropes
• NPK fertilisers
• Mulch
• Roots barrier

Here is a complete list of UK retailers where you can buy bamboo digging tools and supplies.

Choose bamboo digging tools

Working with bamboo is tough work, see the video. So, choose the tools that will lighten the work. The best hand tool for removing bamboo, in our experience, is a pick axe or crowbar. 

If you have an electric saw, you should cut your work in half. It is probably the best tool to have when removing bamboo plants. 

If you have a large bamboo grove, seek help.

 Bamboo plant is a perennial evergreen 

The Bamboo plant is a perennial evergreen and retains its foliage all year round, including its culms, sheaths and branches. 

The underground nodes, clumps, roots hairs and rhizomes will remain fresh though not much activity takes place. 

 

So, use the right tool to maintain your bamboo plants.

Grow bamboo in pots and containers, effective root barriers

Pots and containers are perfect bamboo root barriers. They are often the preferred medium for growing bamboos for small spaces and hedging screens. 

Best of all, once you’ve planted bamboo in the pots and containers they’ll grow for years without having to worry about the bamboo invading other spaces. 

Note that bamboo plants do not like waterlogged and dry soils. Choose heavy-duty pots and containers that have well-drained bottoms.

The underground parts of bamboos such as the rhizomes, base buds and roots will quickly occupy the spaces in the containers. 

These are the common shortfalls of growing bamboos in pots and containers, but they are the best solutions for growing the running bamboos for privacy screens, garden hedging and for small outdoor spaces. 

You can still grow bamboo in pots and containers and enjoy them. So, ensure the soil remains well-aerated, moist and well-drained. This will keep the bamboo happy, and they’ll thrive for many years. 

Here are practical tips based on our experiences over the years and provide practical solutions to many problems bamboo growers face when planting bamboo in contained spaces.

5 Ways to Create Bamboo Root Barriers

Bamboo root barriers are vital for containing invasive bamboo plants. 

We present 5 methods for stopping invasive bamboo plants so that you can choose what is best for you.

• 1] Build a raised bed
• 2] Dig a trench as a bamboo root barrier
• 3] Use pots and containers as root barriers
• 4] Use contained built structures as root barriers
• 5] Best way to grow running bamboo plants (plastic root barriers)

Where to buy root barriers for bamboo in the UK?

We would recommend using the tough plastic bamboo root barrier when planting the running bamboo plants. 

Also, it is a good practice to use root barriers when planting the Giant Timber Bamboo Plants and Phyllostachys varieties.

Here is a list of renowned UK retailers where you can get the recommended root barriers and bamboo care and maintenance accessories from.

Use contained built structures as root barriers

Areas such as near the boundary wall, driveway enclosures, or a backfilled area are perfect for planting bamboo for hedging and privacy screening. 

These building structures are already formidable barriers you do not have to create a new one.

Here are 5 ideas for building bamboo root barriers:

• 1] Build a raised bed
• 2] Dig a trench as a bamboo root barrier
• 3] Use pots and containers as root barriers
• 4] Use contained built structures as root barriers
• 5] Best way to grow running bamboo plants (plastic root barriers)

Natural root barriers for bamboo plants

One top tip though is to ensure that the soil is not too compacted, especially in the new building sites. 

Bamboo plants do not like compacted soil or soil that is high in pH.

In such cases, prepare the area well by adding compost or loam soil before planting the running bamboo.

Where to buy root barriers for bamboo in the UK?

We would recommend using the tough plastic bamboo root barrier when planting the running bamboo plants. 

Also, it is a good practice to use root barriers when planting the Giant Timber Bamboo Plants and Phyllostachys varieties.

Here is a list of renowned UK retailers where you can get the recommended root barriers and bamboo care and maintenance accessories from.

 

Why it is important to put in bamboo root barrier before growing bamboo?

Maintaining bamboo plants is surely hard work. The intricate overlay of the rhizome and root network makes it difficult to dig, pull and remove the bamboos. 

You’ll have to do it bit by bit until you remove the whole lot or use a machine or additional help. 

It is vital to put in place a root barrier before planting bamboo in the garden, especially if you are growing the running bamboo near the boundary, driveways or close to the house. 

All in all, bamboo root barriers are vital for containing the invasive running bamboo and large clumping bamboos. 

The 5 formidable ways of building the bamboo root barriers will help you to contain the bamboo from spreading in the garden. 

Always put in the root barrier before planting your bamboo. 

Leave a comment and let us know about your personal experiences and what you think about bamboo and bamboo root/rhizome barriers. 

Build raised beds bamboo root barriers

Building raised beds as bamboo root barriers is a common method for stopping bamboo plants from spreading. 

Bamboo roots, rhizomes and base buds do not grow deep into the soil. They form an intricate root network that is often tough, compacted and solid. 

Raised beds are an effective way to elevate the rooting layer and spot the rhizomes (especially in running bamboos) as they spread and trim them. 

Picture Credit: Walnut Kitchen Garden

For clumping bamboos, raised beds are perfect because they enable you to see the new base buds, nodes and culms which make it easy to thin the bamboo when they expand out of the beds. 

Building raised beds does not have to cost a lot of money. 

You can use the solid materials that you already have such as patio slabs, rocks, bricks, treated timber or any solid material you find in the shed.

Not often do the roots of the common bamboo cultivars in the UK penetrate the soil deeper than half a metre. 

So, a raised bed elevated at 50cm could be just enough to act as a barrier for growing both the running bamboo as well as the clumping bamboo.

5 Ways to Create Bamboo Root Barriers

Bamboo root barriers are vital for containing invasive bamboo plants. 

We present 5 methods for stopping invasive bamboo plants so that you can choose what is best for you.

• 1] Build a raised bed
• 2] Dig a trench as a bamboo root barrier
• 3] Use pots and containers as root barriers
• 4] Use contained built structures as root barriers
• 5] Best way to grow running bamboo plants (plastic root barriers)

Where to buy root barriers for bamboo in the UK?

We would recommend using the tough plastic bamboo root barrier when planting the running bamboo plants. 

Also, it is a good practice to use root barriers when planting the Giant Timber Bamboo Plants and Phyllostachys varieties.

Here is a list of renowned UK retailers where you can get the recommended root barriers and bamboo care and maintenance accessories from.

Best way to grow running bamboo plants (plastic root barriers)

Bamboo root barriers are vital for containing invasive bamboo plants. This article presents 5 bamboo root barriers for stopping invasive bamboo plants so that you can choose what is best for you.

• 1] Build a raised bed
• 2] Dig a trench as a bamboo root barrier
• 3] Use pots and containers as root barriers
• 4] Use contained built structures as root barriers
• 5] Best way to grow running bamboo plants (plastic root barriers)

Bamboo work is hard work without bamboo barriers.

Solid plastic bamboo root barriers

A solid plastic bamboo root barrier or narrow trench can stop the bamboo from spreading if you did not create a root barrier before planting the bamboo plants. 

Building a bamboo root barrier is probably the most common intervention if you have not put any root barrier in the first place when planting your bamboo. 

But what are the options for root barriers? 

Many DIY shops and online garden shops sell various root barriers. The best thing to do is to choose solid plastic sheets of bamboo root barriers. 

These barriers are flexible and bendable, tough and can last over 20 years. To lay the bamboo root barriers, firstly, dig a narrow trench 30cm to 50cm along or around the bamboo. 

This is the ideal depth because bamboo rhizomes are in fact horizontal stems and do not grow deep into the dirt like other plants with taproots do. 

Secondly, lay the tough plastic root barriers neatly into the trench with 10 cm to 15 cm layer above the ground level. 

The external layer will stop rhizomes from growing over the barrier as leaves and dirt build up over time. 

Top right picture shows a layer of bamboo barrier above the ground.

The bamboo root barriers can cost anything from £30 to £250 depending on how thick and strong the plastic barrier is. 

You can find the tough bamboo root barriers at YouGarden. 

An alternative to the reinforced plastic root barriers is patio slabs. 

We use the patio slabs, they proved to be good barriers too. 

You may have to cover the gaps between the slabs properly as you lay them down because the rhizomes will still make their way through any tiny gaps in the slabs.

Where to buy root barriers for bamboo in the UK?

We would recommend using the tough plastic bamboo root barrier when planting the running bamboo plants. 

Also, it is a good practice to use root barriers when planting the Giant Timber Bamboo Plants and Phyllostachys varieties.

Here is a list of renowned UK retailers where you can get the recommended root barriers and bamboo care and maintenance accessories from.

Why it is important to put in bamboo root barrier before growing bamboo?

Maintaining bamboo plants is surely hard work. The intricate overlay of the rhizome and root network makes it difficult to dig, pull and remove the bamboos. 

You’ll have to do it bit by bit until you remove the whole lot or use a machine or additional help. 

It is vital to put in place a root barrier before planting bamboo in the garden, especially if you are growing the running bamboo near the boundary, driveways or close to the house. 

All in all, bamboo root barriers are vital for containing the invasive running bamboo and large clumping bamboos. 

The 5 formidable ways of building the bamboo root barriers will help you to contain the bamboo from spreading in the garden. 

Always put in the root barrier before planting your bamboo. 

Leave a comment and let us know about your personal experiences and what you think about bamboo and bamboo root/rhizome barriers.

Red Cane Bamboo Phyllostachys rubromarginata

Phyllostachys rubromarginata is also called the Reddish Bamboo or Red Margin Bamboo because of the reddish colour of the new shoots. 

This running bamboo is tall and upright, fast-spreading bamboo. It is ideal for tall hedges and quick natural privacy screens. 

The Reddish Bamboo is hardy to -20 degrees Celsius making it one of the cold-tolerant Phyllostachys bamboos to grow in the cold Winter areas of the UK and US. 

The stunning new reddish shoots are a standout feature. Definitely requires root barriers or elevated beds to contain it from spreading.

Buy Phyllostachys Bamboos in the UK

General description

• Name: Phyllostachys rubromarginata, Reddish Bamboo, Red Margin Bamboo
• Foliage: Evergreen.
• Culm: Upright green canes, reddish new shoots.
• Height: 6 - 7m, upright.
• Spread Running bamboo, very invasive.

Growth requirement

• Site:  Part shade to full sun.
• Soil: Well-drained, moist soil.
• Hardiness: – 20 degrees Celsius, hardy bamboo.
• Use: Fast privacy screening, tall hedge, container plant, individual plant – low maintenance plant but invasive.

Grow bamboo Phyllostachys rubromarginata (Reddish bamboo)

Cultivate in contained spaces

The Phyllostachys rubromarginata can grow to 7 metres and spread very quickly. 

It may not grow to its maximum height and spread when grown in contained spaces. 

Use large heavy-duty container pots to grow this tall Phyllostachys bamboo. 

The new shoots in the second, third and successive years will be reasonably taller than the first shoots. 

So, do not be surprised if your Phyllostachys rubromarginata is taller than an average Phyllostachys bamboo in the container pots. 

This running bamboo will definitely require repotting within 3 – 5 years. 

Cultivate in the garden

The Phyllostachys rubromarginata’s evergreen foliage, tall stems, elongated branches and thick covers are great for dense hedges and screens.

It is important to know that Phyllostachys rubromarginata (Reddish bamboo ) is an invasive bamboo. 

Therefore building a bamboo barrier prior to planting it in the garden is the best thing to do. 

Like the other running bamboos, the Reddish bamboo prefers well-drained, moist soil. 

Read about the Best Soil for Growing Running and clumping Bamboos.

How to propagate Reddish Bamboo?

In the UK, many growers use Rhizome Cuttings to propagate the running bamboo successfully. 

You can also use Culm Cuttings or Bamboo Seeds to propagate Phyllostachys rubromarginata. Seeds are often hard to find because bamboos rarely flower. 

If you are lucky to have a rare bamboo seed, take extra care to grow them. 

This How to Grow Bamboo from Seeds Step-by-step Guide will help you to grow bamboo from seeds successfully.

Where to Buy Phyllostachys Bamboos in the UK?

The Phyllostachys Rubromarginata has a distinctive slender and upright growing habit and is hardy to -20 degrees Celsius. 

This bamboo is the best choice for large pots, tall garden hedges or quick natural privacy screens. 

It is also an ideal bamboo for landscapers, homeowners or gardeners who want fast-growing, thick and tall bamboo. 

Buy Phyllostachys Bamboos in the UK

Bamboos similar to Phyllostachys rubromarginata

Finding the tall Phyllostachys Bamboo at the local nursery or garden centre can be challenging. 

Therefore, we list 5 other bamboos that are similar to the ‘Phyllostachys rubromarginata’. 

The similarities are based on 5 important factors: the type (either running or clumping), height, foliage, hardiness and use. 

Details for each bamboo can be found through the links provided, click for more information.

1. Phyllostachys Parvifolia Running Bamboo
2. Phyllostachys flexuosa Sinuate Bamboo
3. Edulis Moso Bamboo Phyllostachys Pubescens
4. Giant Phyllostachys Bamboo Phyllostachys Bambusoides
5. Black Bamboo Phyllostachys Nigra

Phyllostachys rubromarginata is a fantastic bamboo for privacy screens and fast-growing hedging. 

Root barriers are necessary for growing this bamboo. 

At G.B.P, our goal is to provide the right information for selecting the right bamboo to grow in the garden and in pots and containers. 

We also offer bamboo growers tips and guides on how to look after your bamboo plants. You can see our work on Bamboo Care and Maintenance here.

How to set up a bamboo fence like a pro

Putting up a bamboo fencing roll as a windbreak or for privacy screening can bring the best out of small areas. They are quick to set up and provide the instant cover you need. 

It can cost £150 - £180 to get it done for you. Find out how to do it yourself. 

Use bamboo rolls to build fence screening

Here are steps for building a standalone bamboo screen or attaching bamboo rolls to fences and existing structures.

1. Measure the length and width of the designated privacy screening area (Take note of bends or any adjustments).
2. Order bamboo fencing panels and treated posts (according to how many you’ll need from your measurement in Step 1)
3. Dig the soil and set the posts in place (You may have to cement the posts to provide additional strength).
4. Build a strong frame connecting the treated posts.
5. Cut to length and width of the screening area (Some DIYers prefer to cut the bamboo splits after the bamboo splits are in place).
6. Tie the bamboo rolls with cable ties or wires to the mainframe (in Step 4)
7. Tidy the edges of the bamboo fence screening rolls and clear up.

Use treated posts with bamboo fencing rolls

Ideally, the round-treated posts tend to match the roundness of the bamboo stick, unless the bamboo screens are splits. 

Use a strong post that you think will go well with the bamboo panels. 

Choosing a good fence post is important for building a new standalone privacy screen. 

For a strong support system, the posts should not be too close or further apart - too close and you’ll need more posts, further apart and the structure will wobble. 

An interval of 1 metre or 1.5 metres between the pillar posts is ideal.

Select the best bamboo fence roll 

The bamboo fencing screen is quick to set up and lasts longer. 

The bamboo fencing rolls, splits and splits are great products for fencing screens. 

 The main problems with these products are mould and rusty weather. 

These problems are easily avoided when you do a good check of the bamboo fencing products prior to buying them.

Bamboo Screen Fence Ideas and Checks

Bamboo canes and strips are great fencing materials because they are durable and naturally resistant to the elements. 

They come in different lengths and heights, suitable for any fencing requirement. 

But, bamboo fencing rolls needed to be checked thoroughly before setting up. 

In this article, we take a look at ideas and checks you should do when using bamboo for screen fencing.

These quality checks will help you to avoid any disappointments after setting up.

 

How to set up a bamboo fence

There are two common ways to set up a bamboo fence, either attach them to an existing fence or build a standalone fence. 

An ideal bamboo fencing panels, bamboo fencinge rolls and splits should

• cover the designated area;
• be easy to cut to fit perfectly;
• have strong structural support;
• be treated to protect against wind and weather; and
• be well packaged and delivered to the customer.

Buy 6ft/2m tall bamboo fencing rolls at Thompson and Morgan

Bamboo fence ideas and checks

The 7 DIY checks you should do before building a bamboo fence will help you build a stunning bamboo fence.

1) Dimensions of the bamboo fence

Find out both the width and the height of the bamboo screening product. 

Some retailers either only state the width or the height of the bamboo panel. 

Make sure that your know both the width and the height prior to buying the bamboo screen that can fit perfectly.

2) How is the bamboo delivered to you?

The bamboo fencing materials often gather dust and absorb moisture during storage. 

Moulds and rust can form very quickly when the bamboo screening supplies are stored longer in cool dark places. 

So always ensure that the products are delivered to you well packed and free of dust and moisture. 

Alternatively, pay a visit to your nearest DIY shop and check out the materials before purchasing.

3) Is the bamboo fence treated?

The untreated bamboo fence panels will blacken when expose to the weather. 

Also, the uncoated wires will also rust in time. 

The best thing to do is to ensure that the bamboo screening panels are treated, and panel wires are coated to protect the bamboo rolls. 

If treated well, these items can last up to 10 years, even longer. 

It is up to the shops to ensure that the brand-new bamboo screens are treated. 

But a clever customer should always ask about the quality of the bamboo screens before buying them.

4) Read the fencing instructions thoroughly

The bamboo fences are easy to put up but can be tricky to start with. 

You do not want to put it up and realise later that the fence is not standing up properly. 

 Read the instruction carefully before setting the bamboo screening panel.

5) Build 6ft/2m bamboo fencing to withstand the wind

Many bamboo fences are lightweight. They will collapse in strong winds if they are not set up correctly or in a windy site. To avoid that, set up the bamboo screens using strong posts.

6) Protect against weather and elements

Tall bamboo fencing, especially those built out of bamboo rolls, panels and spits, are susceptible to damp and wet conditions. 

The bamboo panels will eventually turn black or the wire rust when exposed to the elements. 

If this happens, repaint the fence with wood paints or bamboo stain.

7) Use stable lost posts as a support system

Bamboo rolls, panels and splits will require a firm support system. 

For a new standalone privacy screen, use treated (round) log posts to provide support and additional strength.

An updated version of this post is available here (How to use bamboo panels to build fence screening)

How to build a strong bamboo fencing

The bamboo fences and rolls are beautiful products. 

You can attach easily to existing fences, or use them as standalone fences with a few 2 x 1 round posts at intervals. 

The bamboo fences range from 1 metre to 4 metres in length with variable heights. 

The 2 m (6ft) bamboo fencing rolls are ideal for tall fences. 

You may have to cut to fit sections of the fence. 

Cut carefully so that you do not destroy the wire loop. 

Also, painted the bamboo rolls with bamboo stains or fence paints. 

As mentioned earlier, the bamboo screen can last up to 10 years, even more. 

Many gardeners and homeowners prefer the 1.5 metres and 2 metres bamboo screening panels/rolls to the taller ones. 

This is because they are well-spaced apart and provide great fence covers.

Bamboo fencing checks

In closure, ensure that the bamboo fencing materials are in good condition, well treated and can provide the privacy screening you want. 

Always, do the checks prior to buying the fencing materials online or check in-store. 

Find out about the uses of bamboo sticks

We are a dedicated Bamboo website providing general Guides for Caring for Bamboo Plants and ideas for Using Eco-friendly Bamboo products. 

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