Generally bamboo produce new shoots each growing season. The shoots grow to their full height in a single growing season and do not continue to get taller or larger diameter each year like a tree. Although water, sun, and nutrients are factors the new shoots on a young bamboo tend to get larger diameter and taller each year untill the plant reaches its full diameter and height. A young culm from a clumping bamboo will die if it is removed from the mother plant before it has branches, leaves and roots. Young culms one to three years make better propagation material culm cuttings but are not good for building material. Photosynthesis in culm and leaves decrease with increasing age and the sugars in the culm decrease and the culm lignifies and silicifies becoming useful for building material after three to six years. Harvesting mature culms does not lead to the death of the entire plant.

Website: http://www.texasbamboosociety.net/