At This Bamboo Life, we create functional tropical landscapes that blend beauty, privacy, and ecological purpose. Specializing in clumping bamboo systems throughout Florida and the Caribbean, we design and build living environments that provide storm protection, regenerative soil health, natural privacy, and timeless tropical aesthetics. With over 20 years of experience working with bamboo, our approach combines sustainable design, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the natural world.
1700+ happy clients with stunning gardens
70+ eco plants perfect for home and balcony gardens
Services
What We Do
We specialize in consulting, design/build installations, and bamboo product development for residential, agricultural, and commercial environments throughout Florida and the Caribbean. From living privacy screens and storm-resilient landscapes to hardscape integration and custom bamboo solutions, we create functional outdoor spaces that are regenerative, sustainable, and built to thrive in tropical climates.
CONSULTING
INSTALLATION
PRODUCT R&D
Why Bamboo
Bamboo hedges offer exceptional protection for fruit trees, gardens, structures, and livestock during severe weather. As a rule of thumb, a living windbreak protects an area 7 to 10 times its own height. For example, a 20-foot-tall bamboo hedge can shield up to 200 feet of land downwind, even intercepting flying debris like displaced sheds and carports.
wind protection
fast growing privacy
quick shade
Flexibility: Its famous ability to bend without breaking allows it to withstand intense gale-force winds that would snap standard trees.
Flood Resilience: When standing water is present, bamboo can actively dial up its transpiration rate, moving water out of the soil much faster than typical trees.
From climate emergency to food security, the way we farm is key to
solving some of the biggest issues facing us today.
Animal Forage
Every farmer and homesteader knows that animal feed and infrastructure can quickly drain your budget and your time. Fortunately, bamboo is a multi-purpose powerhouse that can help.
Soil Health
If you live in a tropical or subtropical climate, you already know how fast the soil devours organic matter. Keeping up with the demand for nutrients can feel like a full-time job. That’s where bamboo comes in.
Erosion Control
While vetiver grass is a fantastic tool for erosion control, it requires full sun to develop its famous deep root system. Bamboo, a forest grass, offers a massive advantage: many varieties thrive even in deep shade.
Food & Medicine
Bamboo is so much more than a fast-growing privacy screen; it is a profound source of food and medicine with a history of use spanning thousands of years. For food, we look to the shoots.
Construction
There is a unique magic in building with bamboo. It is a material where form and function exist in perfect harmony, offering a striking natural aesthetic without sacrificing strength.
Education
There is nothing quite like watching a child discover that they can build real, tangible things using materials harvested straight from the earth. . A bamboo-centered curriculum does exactly that—it immerses kids in the magic of the natural world.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Bamboo Privacy Install
From climate emergency to food security, the way we farm is key to solving some of the biggest issues facing us today.
01
Measure Your Space
Measure the total linear footage of the area you want to cover.
02
Determine Your Spacing
Most privacy installs space plants 3 to 6 feet apart. The closer you plant them, the faster you get a solid screen.
03
Plan for Your Long-Term Look
Over time, the plants will grow together to create a seamless, living hedge.
04
Watch Your Planting Depth
The biggest mistake people make is planting bamboo too deep. Burying the plant suffocates the roots and can kill it.
05
Mulch Heavily
Unlike trees, bamboo thrives under deep mulch—even right up against the culms (canes).
06
Water, Water, Water
New bamboo needs plenty of water to establish. A great, cost-effective trick is running a temporary soaker hose hooked up to a hose timer.
No. Clumping bamboos are non-invasive and stay contained where you plant them. However, some varieties can grow quite large. With around 2,000 known bamboo species of all shapes and sizes—many of which look identical when small—it is crucial to choose the right variety for your space.
Do they get diseases?
In general, bamboo is incredibly disease-resistant. The most common issues arise when the plant is too dry; drought stress makes them susceptible to fungal problems that a healthy, well-watered bamboo would easily resist.
Are there bamboos native to the US?
Yes.The US is home to several native running bamboos, collectively known as canebrakes or river cane. These plants historically covered massive regions stretching from Ohio to Texas. Tragically, we are down to just 2% of these native canebrakes, which once served as a vital ecosystem for countless birds and animals.
Are bamboos toxic to pets?
No. Bamboo is completely non-toxic and safe for pets. In fact, cats and dogs often enjoy chewing on the leaves, which won’t hurt them at all.
Do I need to install a root barrier?
Generally,no root barrier is required for clumping bamboo. Because they expand outward very slowly in a predictable clump, they won’t take over your yard like running varieties. That said, choosing the right plant for the right location is key, and your specific landscape design will ultimately determine if a barrier is necessary.
Do bamboos shed leaves?
Bamboo is evergreen, but like live oaks and other evergreens, they do drop and replace a percentage of their leaves every year. Expect some natural shedding as new spring growth comes in.
Which bamboo is best for privacy?
In Florida, the number one choice for privacy is ‘Graceful’ bamboo (Bambusa textilis Graceful). While many varieties can create a beautiful screen, it is always best to consult with a specialist who can match the right bamboo to your specific landscape goals.
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
We’re here to help—reach out anytime. Our team is
always ready to assist you.