Running bamboo can easily spread several feet each year.

While  shade, drought and hard soil will slow them down there are really only two ways to control them.

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Barrier

Barrier has the greatest upfront labor, but the least amount of annual maintenance.  But if (or when) it fails it can be very difficult to fix.

 Root Pruning

Root pruning has the least upfront labor, but the most annual maintenance.  It is the best choice for health and longevity.  It also allows flexibility to reduce or enlarge the grove or screen, divisions and also be made to transplant elsewhere.