From November 2023 to May 2024, the following species can be harvested for free:
Phai Liang (×Thyrsocalamus liang), stems straight, strong, heavy, 12–15 m long, basal diameter 4–6 cm, thick-walled, used for numerous purposes including light construction as pillars and beams.
Phai Ruak Dam (Thyrsostachys oliveri), characteristics of the stems are similar to those of Phai Liang and the stems are suitable for the same use.
Phai Angkalung (Bambusa maculata), and Phai Nang Suea, (Gigantochloa marga), stems straight, with decorative black spots, 10–15 m long, basal diameter 3–6 cm, ideal for interior design, furniture, handicrafts, and fence pickets.
Quantities depend on species and how many you require; altogether more than a hundred stems can be harvested.
Stem harvesting requires your help and all the cut poles are free; the procedure is as follows:
1, If you are interested, please let me know (in English or Thai) and first suggest an appointment to view and select the bamboo clumps. Then we can make an appointment to harvest the stems, cut them into transportable lengths, and pick up the poles. Only two people, you (or your worker) and I are needed to do this job.
2, By using an electric reciprocating saw, I will saw off the bamboo stems close to the base.
3, You and I need to secure the stem, usually by hand, so that the stem will fall in the wanted direction thus avoiding harm to other nearby plants, fences, and buildings.
4, You have to chop off the branches and the top of the stem with your sharp machete, or my machete. You may leave the chopped branches on the driveway nearby.
5, Shortening the stems to desired or transportable lengths can be done by yourself using your machete, hand saw, or electric circular saw, or by myself using my electric reciprocating saw.
6, I recommend you use work gloves. The whole work may take several hours, depending on how many poles you require.
Location: Baan Sammi, 15 km (10 mi) northeast of Chiang Mai (see on Google Maps, or inquire for link and address).
Viewing, visiting, harvesting: Any day, but a 1-day prior notice is required.
More text information on these and many other bamboo species from Thailand and neighboring countries, along with numerous photos are on the BAMBOOS OF THAILAND website (link on request).
Stems of several other bamboo species can be harvested, many living bamboo plants can be dug up, and a few ready-potted bamboo species (saplings, seedlings) are available, all of them are for FREE (link to the blog BAMBOO AVAILABLE FOR FREE on request).
