I just moved into a new flat and have volunteered to take over the garden.
There is a small stand of bamboo that is overgrown with english ivy and
hasn't been cared for in years. I am in the process of removing the ivy but
there are old stems and decayed parts about two feet high all around the
fresh growth. If I just remove as much of the decayed growth as possible
will I do any damage to the plant?

Thanks very much.

John in Jerusalem