How do I control running bamboo?

A visitor to our website writes:
A neighbor has planted a running bamboo along our property line. Is there any way to stop it from coming into my yard?

My answer:
You can control your neighbor's running bamboo in several ways: A) mow down young shoots that spread into your yard and weedwack any shoots that come up by trees or in gardens B) install a bamboo barrier along your border that will prevent the spread of rhizome C) once a year use a sharp blade to chop off any invading rhizomes.

Herbicides and poisons won't kill the bamboo but will harm the environment. Best thing would be to talk with your neighbor and see if he/she will help you with the expense of installing a bamboo barrier on your side of the property line.