Phyllostachys nigra spreading!

[Dilbertian]

After politely thriving in the same place for 15y, my phyllostachys nigra is suddenly sending up shoots 1-2 ft away from the main plant. Is there any way of stopping it? Should I just cut them at ground level, or trace them back where possible?

Any tips, oh green-fingered goddesses?

My Phyllostachys nigra is going gang busters this year as well, I think the combination of some very rainy months with some very sunny months has just given them all a dose of rocket fuel! I know this variety is meant to be one of the better behaved ones, but I remember reading any of them can become a bit unruly given the right conditions, so I'd definitely trace them back wherever you can. I've actually got mine in a container as I didn't trust it to behave itself! I split it recently and had to use a saw to get through the roots- they're such tough plants! I think the only way to absolutely guarantee it didn't throw up shoots where you didn't want them is to put a physical root barrier in the ground.