Pierre Lanuéjols wrote:
"downhill"
You are not in a good area to get large diameter bamboo for crafts.
Just too cold, you might get micro climates to get some growth but it will
not be consistent. Found most of the bamboo north of westchester is
sheltered by hardwoods and will not reach published sizes. A bamboo from a
division should mature in 7 to 10 years if it will be happy in its new
location.

Ph vivax 4 to 5 inches over 40 feet
ph robert young 3 to 4 inches 30 plus feet
ph rubomarginata 2 to 3 inches 30 feet-- good for crafts
ph nigra 1.5 and 25 feet
ph aurosulcata variants 2 inches 30 feet--- not good for crafts ---
distributed through government farm programs for research and promotion

north shore of LI

Is it the wall thickness which makes a bamboo good for crafts?
The thicker the wall the better I suppose.


Would depend on what craft your outputting. Basket weaving uses the
outer shell for weaving and strips the inner softer wood away. Almost
any will work with weaving if aged bamboo is used, and using a
preservative on a single piece basic has a decent life span
The problem with using bamboo grown in US is the inability to kill
bamboo borers and other pests in the curing process. The method of
curing bamboo that works is not permitted to be done in US due to toxicity.
I bought a package of bamboo utensils at a shop in NYC chinatown. The
package was sealed and had an air bubble in it. After leaving the
package on a shelf by the window for a few weeks. I noticed tiny holes
in the utensils. With further inspection I noticed bamboo borers and the
package was still sealed with air pressure.
If you think I do not know what I am talking about put a white sheet of
paper under a bamboo item let it sit for two months shake the item over
the paper before removing it. Examine the remains, if you see an
excessive amount of yellow dust examine the item for small
holes.including bamboo flooring