Is it possible to contain bamboo in a wooden planter?

I would really like to use bamboo as a screen between my house and my neighbors. I have read that it can be very invasive. The local nuseries have encouraged me not to use it and have suggested if we do to get neighbors written approval first to avoid law suits later on. Yikes!





This seems quite excessive, but they do have more experience than me, so I'm inclined not to plant it directly in the soil. It leads me to another thought - is it possible to build large rectangular wooden planters at the edge of my property to contain the bamboo? Would metal sheeting in the bottom of the container be advisable to contain strong insistent roots and should it have drain holes? Will the height and health of the bamboo be affected by it in the container? How deep should the container be (we were thinking two feet)?





Thank you to all the master gardeners out there willing to share some advice!

Is it possible to contain bamboo in a wooden planter?
Bamboo has a great look, so I can understand how you would like to use it as a screening material.





However, I have to agree with the advice you received from your nursery--it's invasiveness is legend, and a major concern would be keeping the rhizomes from spreading to your neighbor's property -- definitely get their permission before planting.





Some considerations in selecting bamboo are: the zone that you live in, light conditions (most bamboos prefer sun), growth habit, and the maximum height you want to achieve (there are varieties with a maximum growth of up to 50').





A good site that will guide you through the planting and control of bamboos is noted below. The American Bamboo Association is a great site, too.





For hardy and fast growing bamboo, the Phyllostachys species may be one you want to consider; it is a 'running' bamboo. The only barrier I would use is a trench filled with concrete--see the links below--because the rhizomes will grow through wooden planters, even with metal sheeting.





One final thought, have you considered other material? Without knowing your budget, you may want to consider these evergreens for screening: arborvitae 'Green Giant', 'Dragon Lady' holly, Magnolia, and 'Hooks' juniper.
Reply:2ND EDIT:


Your local nurseries must not know much about bamboo.....Sorry!


it comes in all shapes sizes and HEIGHTS!





I'm not a master gardner but I do know about bamboo.


This is the scoop of Running Bamboo.


Many people are unaware of this on Yahoo! Answers.


There are 2 kinds of bamboo ....running and clumping.....


Running is the one that will take over your yard and your neighbors down the street if not planted correctly. You must plant the running with a rhizome barrier.


Running bamboos can exhibit “take-over-the-world” growth habit that leads to the fear (and occasional hysteria) about this group of plants.


When planting it is wise to use a barrier that is 3 feet deep.


http://www.berkeleyhort.com/gardensugges...


Bamboo in a pot is not an effective control method, there are plenty of ways out! *****SEE PHOTO********


http://www.needmorebamboo.com/rhizomecon...


BambooBarrier™ by DeepRoot////PHOTO


http://www.moso.us/contain.html


The Scoop on Clumping Bamboo


Bamboo comes in many varieties, but they are either of the (((clumping type or the running type.))) For the clumping types of bamboo, barrier may not be needed.


http://www.bamboohabitat.com/Pages/barri...


Now all you have to do is pick the kind you want and plant it the way you should.


No horror stories here.


Your planters might work well but if you plant clumping you don't have to do that. Remember clumping still spreads but it is not invasive like running.


Edited:


Container Bamboo


http://www.lewisbamboo.com/favorites.htm...


varieties listed on the left for container growing


http://www.midatlanticbamboo.com/bamboo-...


Suggested size of containers


10 gallons is too small for most of the larger species! We suggest a whiskey or wine barrel as they are wide, attractive and around 25 –30 gallons. probably a 1/2 barrel is what they mean.


http://www.jademountainbamboo.com/html/i...


THIS ANSWER MIGHT LOOK LIKE OVER KILL BUT I HAD TO COVER ALL THE BASES.
Reply:It doesn't matter if it is running or clumping bamboo. Whatever you plant it in the roots will find a way out and grow more stalks. Do get your neighbors permission, and ask your local horticulturalist which variety you should plant for your area.
Reply:White cedars grow quickly right in the soil. You just need to trim them to obey local bylaws. You can use the clippings in a "pillow" in your closets to keep moths, etc., out.