Project objective:
Removal of bamboo and Gunnera, with appropriate management of Montbretia (a Schedule 9 invasive plant species), while working within the constraints of mature TPO-protected trees.
Client:
Residential property owner
Location:
Poole, Dorset
Type of property:
Residential property with mature landscaping and protected trees
Background to Project
PBA Solutions was appointed to remove bamboo and Gunnera from a residential property in Poole, Dorset. Gunnera tinctoria was identified during a RICS survey as part of the property purchase process. Its removal as a Schedule 9 invasive plant species subsequently formed a condition of the sale. The presence of Montbretia (Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora) and isolated Horsetail added further environmental and biosecurity considerations to the project.
The site presented additional considerations beyond the presence of the invasive plant species. Mature trees protected by a blanket Tree Preservation Order (TPO) were located throughout and around the affected areas, restricting excavation methods and influencing the overall approach. A site-specific Arboricultural Method Statement was therefore required to set out how the works would be undertaken while protecting the trees and complying with the relevant TPO requirements.
Gunnera tinctoria (Chilean rhubarb) growing in a garden bed
Bamboo growing in a garden bed with other plants
Bamboo removal often incorporates containment measures to help reduce future spread. However, in this instance, achieving an effective solution needed to be balanced against the protection of nearby trees and their root systems. Careful assessment was therefore required to identify the most appropriate long-term approach for both the client and the surrounding environment.
Site Details & Client Requirements
Location and land type
The site comprised a residential garden with established planting, mature trees, boundary fencing, raised beds and hard landscaped areas. Bamboo growth extended along the party boundary and had become integrated with shrubs, trees and surrounding planting.
Reason for invasive plant removal
The primary objective was to remove bamboo to prevent further spread across the property. In addition, the identification of Gunnera tinctoria (Chilean rhubarb) during a RICS survey created an additional priority. Its removal as a Schedule 9 invasive plant species subsequently formed a condition of the sale.
While Japanese knotweed is more commonly identified during residential property transactions, it is relatively uncommon for Gunnera tinctoria to be identified during a RICS survey and for its removal to become a condition of the sale. The presence of Montbretia (Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora) and isolated Horsetail also required careful biosecurity measures throughout the works to minimise the risk of further spread.
Bamboo growing beside a residential garden fence & boundary in Dorset
Extent of infestation
The bamboo stand occupied approximately 8m² within the subject property and around 24m² overall, extending into neighbouring land and producing migratory growth further along the garden.
Challenges and Constraints
- Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS):
A site-specific Arboricultural Method Statement was submitted to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council to ensure compliance with the Town and Country Planning (Tree Preservation) (England) Regulations 2012, taking into account the proposed works adjacent to protected trees. - Multiple Plant Species: Bamboo removal was undertaken alongside the removal of Gunnera, whilst the management of Montbretia excavated soil and plant material also required biosecurity consideration.
- Integrated Growth: Bamboo and Montbretia were intertwined with trees, shrubs and surrounding planting.
- Waste Management: Schedule 9 invasive material required careful handling and influenced waste management methods.
- Neighbouring Land: Bamboo growth extended beyond the subject property, limiting the ability to remove all rhizome material at source.
- Utilities and Access Constraints: Existing services and restricted working areas required careful planning before excavation.
Environmental Considerations
Mature TPO protected trees surrounding the site created Root Protection Areas (RPAs) that influenced excavation methods, machinery access and the positioning of any potential root barrier installation.
The presence of Gunnera and Montbretia (Schedule 9 invasive plant species) required careful handling of excavated soils and plant material, which was managed within a dedicated on-site invasive plant composting bin to maintain biosecurity.
Before Work Began
Before works commenced, several factors required assessment to establish the most appropriate approach.
A root barrier was considered because it can provide a long-term means of limiting bamboo spread. However, the position required for effective installation conflicted with nearby root protection areas. Installing a barrier would likely have required root severance and additional disturbance around protected trees.
PBA Solutions regularly undertakes root barrier installation where site conditions support its use. In this instance, careful consideration of tree protection requirements indicated that a managed removal and follow-up strategy represented a more appropriate approach.
The site also required consideration of neighbouring land, buried services, access limitations and the interaction between multiple invasive species occupying the same areas of ground.
Gunnera removed from around drainage pipe in a Dorset garden
The client wished to coordinate works alongside planned fencing replacement and was keen to identify a practical and cost-effective long-term solution.
Preparatory Works and Site Setup
Site survey and planning
Detailed site surveys were undertaken to determine the extent of bamboo and associated invasive plant growth. Existing planting, nearby trees, boundaries and neighbouring land were assessed to understand likely spread patterns and site constraints.
Arboricultural assessment and tree protection
Due to the presence of mature protected trees, additional consideration was given to excavation activities. A technical method statement and arboricultural assessment were developed to demonstrate that works would be completed with due consideration for tree protection.
Utility assessment and excavation planning
Utility checks and CAT scanning were undertaken before excavation commenced. Existing drainage infrastructure and nearby services were reviewed using network information supplied by Wessex Water, alongside wider site planning considerations.
Pre-treatment and vegetation preparation
Initial works included cutting back bamboo and pre-treatment of Montbretia where appropriate. This improved access and visibility while reducing potentially contaminated waste during excavation.
Waste management strategy
Because Montbretia was integrated throughout the bamboo stand, conventional disposal routes would have increased waste handling requirements and project costs.
To address this, PBA Solutions developed an invasive weed compost bin system that allowed Schedule 9 material to be securely retained and managed on site until no longer presenting an environmental risk.
Invasive weed compost bin with root barrier inner
Removal of Bamboo and Invasive Species from the Dorset Site
The following activities formed part of the works programme:
Vegetation cutback and access preparation
Initial works focused on reducing vegetation density and improving access to affected areas. Bamboo stems were cut back to ground level while additional vegetation was selectively managed to improve visibility and create safe working areas.
Utility confirmation and site controls
Prior to excavation, CAT scanning and utility checks were completed to identify buried services that could affect excavation activities. Existing drainage infrastructure was also considered throughout site operations.
Excavation and bamboo removal
Mechanical excavation was used to remove bamboo crowns and accessible running rhizomes where excavation could proceed without unacceptable impacts on nearby trees and vegetation.
Manual excavation techniques were also used where necessary to remove remaining rhizome material in constrained areas.
Bamboo excavated and manually dug at the Poole site
Because some rhizome material extended into neighbouring land and protected root zones, complete physical removal of all material was not considered appropriate.
Root barrier considerations
Root barriers were carefully evaluated as part of the proposed approach. However, achieving an effective installation depth and alignment would have required excavation within protected root areas and potential severance of tree roots.
Rather than prioritising containment at the expense of retained trees, a managed strategy was adopted that balanced invasive plant control with longer-term protection of surrounding vegetation.
Waste handling and invasive species management
Bamboo stem waste was segregated and removed separately where appropriate. Crown and rhizome material containing Montbretia required additional controls to prevent the spread of viable material.
The secure invasive weed compost bin solution enabled Schedule 9 waste to be retained and managed on site while supporting a practical and cost-effective approach.
Gunnera tinctoria (Chilean rhubarb) rhizomes excavated from around drainage waste pipe
Follow-up monitoring and treatment
Because excavation constraints can limit complete removal in some areas, ongoing monitoring and treatment formed part of the wider strategy.
This allows regrowth to be identified and treated early while supporting longer-term control.
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Results and Outcomes
Effective management often requires balancing excavation, containment, environmental responsibilities and long-term practicality. This project demonstrates how considering wider site conditions, rather than focusing on a single species in isolation, can help develop practical and proportionate solutions.
- Bamboo within the subject property was removed using excavation and manual techniques where required.
- Protected trees were retained without unnecessary disturbance to root systems.
- Multiple plant species were addressed within a coordinated strategy rather than through isolated treatments.
- Schedule 9 invasive waste was managed using a secure and practical on-site composting solution.
- Follow-up monitoring formed part of the longer-term strategy where inaccessible rhizomes or future regrowth remained a consideration.
- The client avoided more disruptive works that may have affected trees and surrounding planting.
Need Support with Bamboo or Invasive Plant Management?
Invasive plants do not always occur as isolated problems. Multiple species, neighbouring land, tree protection requirements and site constraints can all influence the most appropriate approach.
PBA Solutions provides practical support for bamboo and invasive plant projects where environmental considerations and longer-term outcomes need to be balanced alongside removal works.
If you are dealing with bamboo, Gunnera, Montbretia or other invasive plants and would like advice on the most appropriate approach for your site, speak with our team on 0203 174 2187 or 01202 816134 for practical guidance and a no-obligation discussion.
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