Bamboo are not like trees and shrubs. All bamboo culms emerge from the ground at their final diameter and will reach their final height in the 1-2 months after they first emerge from the ground. Pruning will permanently get rid of the part of the plant you cut off and there will be no re-growth or increased bushiness. Other than fertilizing or watering, there is nothing you can do to get more growth.

Thanks, Kudzu9! My DH was wanting to lop them and I was afraid. Glad I asked!

I don't have a problem with pruning out smaller stuff, if it improves the overall look of the grove. However, when it's gone it's gone, so I'm glad you asked.

Kudzu,

If small diameter culms are pruned out of the middle of a stand will larger culms eventually fill in the gap?

Is there any difference in this respect between clumping and running species?

Thanks!