From the ArcaMax Publishing, Gardening Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/gardening/s-156708-334290
Question: I live on the edge of a ridge. I'm 60 feet above the street
with a pine-filled strip from my yard to the street right-of-way on a
45% grade. I need a good tall sound and sight barrier along the road.
What about a clumping or spreading bamboo?
Answer: Bamboo can make a great screen provided you select a hardy,
adapted variety. I would strongly recommend a clumping form that will
be less invasive. If you want to try a spreading type, you can install
a deep, strong, vertical barrier into the soil to prevent bamboo from
spreading, but that might be quite a chore on your steep slope! You
can check out the American Bamboo Society web site for info on types
and characteristics of bamboo species and varieties:
http://www.bamboo.org/abs/ However, I think a better alternative is to
plant a row of evergreen shrubs and trees, as they will not threaten
an invasion and will give superior screening during the winter.