How much does bamboo removal cost in South East London?

Bamboo removal is priced at £80-£85 per hour for a two-person team. Because the extent of the underground rhizome network can't be assessed from photos, we always recommend a free site visit to give you an accurate total before work begins.

Can bamboo damage my house or patio?

Yes, particularly running bamboo species. Rhizomes can spread under patios, driveways, and fences, and the Building Research Establishment recommends keeping running bamboo at least 7-10 metres from structural foundations. Bamboo roots are less forceful than some invasive species, but they can still exploit existing cracks and weak points.

Is bamboo classed as an invasive species like Japanese knotweed?

No. Bamboo is not listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, unlike Japanese knotweed, and there's no statutory requirement to remove it. However, if bamboo spreads into a neighbour's property and causes damage, you can still be held liable under general nuisance law.

Will cutting the canes down get rid of my bamboo?

No. Cutting canes without removing the rhizomes doesn't stop bamboo, and can trigger even more vigorous regrowth. The rhizome system needs to be physically excavated or properly treated for the removal to be permanent.

Can I remove bamboo myself?

For a small, young clumping bamboo plant, yes, with a spade and mattock. For anything running, established, or near a boundary or structure, DIY removal is unlikely to be permanent and can make the problem worse by disturbing the rhizome network without fully removing it.

Do you always need to visit before quoting?

For most bamboo jobs, yes. Unlike hedge trimming or standard clearance, the part of the job that determines cost is underground and invisible in a photo, so we recommend a free site visit to give you an honest, accurate total.

What if my bamboo turns out to be Japanese knotweed?

We'll tell you honestly. Japanese knotweed is a different, legally regulated plant that needs a specialist invasive-plant contractor, and we'll point you in the right direction rather than attempt to treat it as a standard removal job.