Put Black Plastic Over Cut Down Bamboo. I Want A Green Yard. What Must I Do Next To Have A Nice Regular Yard?

Question

The home front yard has been neglected and is full of weeds and grass. Do I apply weed killer? I typically want to do things naturally. I don’t like to use chemicals. I want a yard healthy for birds. The backyard was planted with bamboo! I cut it down last Spring. I had not lived in the home after 2013 and now I am the one owner of the home since my husband who lived there passed away. With friends we tried to dig up the roots of the invasive bamboo. That was exhausting and could not make enough progress. Next i covered it with black plastic weighed down. yesterday I checked under the plastic, I see only close to the ground yellowed, bamboo. I guess I was hoping it would decay! 😞 I want to sell the home in the next couple of months. Am I going to have to dig up the rhizomes or roots? Is there a better way? (Photos would not upload properly.)

Answer 1

I have used black plastic before... but I prefer clear plastic to create a really hot "greenhouse". This will help clear the area faster.

It may not work, completely, so chemical control may be necessary. I would see what you can do with solarization, first.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/how-to-solarize-garden-beds-to-eliminate-garden-pests-in-the-soil.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/bamboo/kill-bamboo.htm