Fredericksburg, Va.—Bamboo, often planted for its aesthetic appeal or as a privacy screen, is the cause behind a growing number of power outages.

As an invasive species, it spreads aggressively, choking out native plants and disrupting local ecosystems. Once planted, bamboo is incredibly difficult to manage or remove. In fact, mowing it can cause it to flourish and spread more rapidly.

Bamboo also threatens Rappahannock Electric Cooperative’s infrastructure. When left unchecked, bamboo can grow quickly into overhead power lines, posing a serious risk for power outages.

Recognizing this threat, REC’s Vegetation Management team has been working closely with homeowners to address bamboo growth. Using herbicides, they treat and remove bamboo near power lines to prevent outages and maintain safety.

Many localities in Virginia have started regulating bamboo, with ordinances that address its planting and maintenance to help control its spread.

“Bamboo’s invasive nature not only causes ecological devastation, but it also threatens power reliability as it grows into overhead power lines,” said Cindy Devlin Musick, Director of Vegetation Management Services. “It’s one of the worst species to plant on your property.”

Musick’s advice for members: Don’t plant bamboo, and research plants, bushes and trees before planting them on your property.

REC provides electric service to 180,000 connections in parts of 22 Virginia counties. With its general office in Fredericksburg, Va., the Cooperative operates and maintains more than 18,000 miles of power lines through its service area, which ranges from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay. For more information about REC, please visit www.myrec.coop. Follow REC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.