1. Choose the Right Bamboo Type

a) Small Clumping Bamboo (1-2m tall) stays compact where you plant it, root barrier not required.
b) Medium Clumping Bamboo (3-8m tall) can spread up to 1.5–2m across. If planting near a path or boundary, install a root barrier tight against the bamboo to manage spread.
c) Large Clumping Bamboo (12m+) very strong rhizomes that can crack masonry. Keep at least 2 metres away from walls or concrete structures and use a 600mm deep root barrier.
For all barrier installations, use HDPE (High Density Polyethylene). Bury to 500mm depth, leaving 100mm above ground. Face the smooth side toward the bamboo.

2. Site Preparation
Ensure good drainage as poor drainage can kill bamboo. Avoid compacted clay. Instead, build a raised mound (about as high as the pot) using compost-rich soil. Remove turf or vegetation from the planting area and stake tall bamboo for wind protection.

3. Dig a hole larger than the root ball.
Add several inches of rich garden soil or compost (avoid raw manure or synthetic fertiliser). Position the bamboo slightly deeper than surrounding soil for extra support.

4. Backfill and watering
Backfill with loose, aerated soil. Minimise air pockets by tamping gently. As you backfill, hose in water to form a slurry which helps the root ball bond with surrounding soil. Create a shallow trench around the bamboo to trap water. Water thoroughly after planting and again the next day. For the first few months, concentrate watering on the original root ball until new feeder roots extend.

5. Mulching
Apply 100mm of mulch for water retention and the suppression of weeds. Fallen bamboo leaves will eventually enrich the soil beneath.

6. Fertilising
Only use organic fertilisers like compost and manure. Avoid synthetic fertiliser which can burn new roots.

7. Planter Box example for one Slender Weaver - Length: 1000mm (1 metre) gives enough horizontal space for root spread and visual balance. Width: 300–400mm to Supports healthy clump formation without crowding and Height/Depth: 450–500m which allows for proper root depth, drainage layers, and stability. Line the planter interior with 20mm drainage cell and geotextile fabric. Fill with premium potting mix and top dress with compost and add fertiliser as appropriate to bamboo needs.

8. Ongoing Maintenance
Daily watering recommended during first 6–8 weeks and after establishment, water every 2–3 days in warm weather. Medium and large clumpers may reach 1.5–2m wide. Thin out by removing older culms from the centre and edges using loppers or a reciprocating saw. Stake young plants until root system anchors them. On hot or windy days, shade young bamboo and keep roots moist to prevent culm overheating. Bamboo sheds leaves to conserve water during dry spells. Regular mulching and light feeding help maintain lushness. Compost and organic matter build long-term soil fertility.