What Bamboo is Best for Privacy Screens?
There are many ways to improve the curb appeal of your client’s property. Improving the landscaping by planting bamboo to provide privacy screens can give the yard a facelift and increase the value of your property. Palmco has been supplying cold hardy, tropical bamboo and palm trees to residents of Florida and the contiguous U.S. for more than four generations. Our Pine Island plantation consists of 600 acres of a wide range of plants, including clumping bamboo and mast trees. We also offer Florida Fancy (FF) grade palm trees, one of the most popular and high-grade palm trees in the U.S.
Best Bamboo for Privacy Screens
The best bamboo varieties for privacy screens include Seabreeze Bamboo, Scottish Bamboo, and Blue Chungii. Each bamboo variety has unique features that homeowners should consider before purchase. Consider various factors, including USDA zones, appearance, height, diameter, and growth requirements when choosing bamboo trees.
Selection
When choosing bamboo for privacy screens, consider various factors, including the bamboo variety, appearance, color, size, height, maintenance requirements, and sensitivity to the elements.
There are two main types of bamboo for privacy screens: clumping and running. Many people prefer clumping over running bamboo because of its non-invasive nature. As the name may suggest, clumping bamboo stays together where it was planted. It is relatively easier to control the growth of clumping bamboo because it grows from the center outwards. In addition, the growth rate of clumping bamboo is gradual, making them excellent options for homeowners looking for privacy screens that do not require planter boxes.
Running bamboo is a less preferred option for privacy screens because of its relatively invasive nature. The shoots of this bamboo variety spread randomly over large areas, making them unsuitable for privacy screens. Running bamboo is often spread out in a non-uniform manner, making it extremely difficult to control its growth. However, homeowners who prefer running bamboo should consider growing them in planter boxes or installing barriers to limit their invasive growth.
One of the main drawbacks of running bamboo is its high maintenance requirements. The best option for a privacy screen is clumping bamboo.
Bamboo Appearance
Consider the height, color, and diameter of the bamboo you want to plant in your yard to provide a privacy screen. Bamboo is available in many colors, textures, heights, and sizes. The attributes of the bamboo you choose determine the overall appearance of your privacy screen. Bamboo is available in many shades, including red, brown, yellow, and green.
Bamboo varieties have varying sensitivity to environmental factors. For instance, some thrive in tropical conditions while others do well in a temperate climate. In addition, bamboo has varying levels of resistance to cold weather. Use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to determine the best bamboo varieties for your climate.
Our Top Selections for Privacy Installations
Seabreeze (Bambusa malingensis). Originating from Southern China and reaching heights of 40 feet tall, Seabreeze is an excellent option for screening and windbreaking installations. Its attractive blue-white canes coupled with hardy and bushy foliage make it a graceful addition to any yard.
Oldhamii (Bambusa oldhamii). Also, from Southern China, this is a great option especially if you are hoping to screen a second story space. Oldhamii grows up to 60 feet in height. It is a low maintenance giant, and a hardy bamboo that is cold tolerant to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It is one of the most common bamboos grown in the US.
Graceful (Bambusa textilis gracilis). Yet another Southern China native, Graceful is particularly cold hardy and can endure temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a very erect bamboo, reaching heights of 25 feet, while having a gracefully nodding head. It’s very fast growing and can reach its maximum height in as little as 2 to 3 years.
Please contact Palmco at (239) 283-1329 to learn what bamboo is best for privacy screens and to place an order.
