Cut reeds, but when? Instructions + information at the best time

In summer, reeds are amazingly vigorous and that is usually what you want. The long stalks quickly form a dense, green oasis of innumerable leaves. This plant is ideal for the bank of a pond. Do you need to use scissors to tame this growth? And what about the dried up parts of the plant in autumn? Do you then have to cut?

Is cutting good for the reeds?

Reeds can spread quickly in an uncontrolled manner, conquering every free centimeter and even pushing neighboring plants. If it is not kept in check in time by courageous cutting measures, its volume can increase explosively in a short time. Trimming the reeds back to an acceptable shape is a laborious endeavor. In the case of many types of reed, all of the above-ground parts dry out completely in autumn. Every garden year is started with new, fresh shoots. Everything that has dried up must consecrate in order to give way to new growth. Suitable pruning measures are therefore an integral part of care for the optimal growth of the reed plant.

Is the timing important?

In the course of a gardening year there are always times when the use of secateurs seems obvious. For example in autumn, when the stalks and leaves turn yellow-brown and dry out completely. What is the point of sticking to it now? No, say many gardeners and cut everything off. Just as you are used to from many other plants. But that is fundamentally wrong with the reeds and can even cause considerable damage. In the event that the rampant green reeds develop too abundantly for the gardener's taste, patience should be exercised until the appropriate time has come.

It is allowed to cut in spring

Spring is the only time of year that is ideal for cutting the reeds, regardless of which of the different varieties is involved. One variety is cut a little earlier, the other a little later, but always in spring.

• Spring is optimal
• and the only suitable period
• the exact time depends on the variety
• is based on the beginning of growth
• Pruning should be done immediately before new growth
• The weather also determines the point in time
• after mild winters, the growing season often begins earlier
• the cutting time can be between the end of February and May
• the popular Chinese grass, also called Chinese reed, is cut in April

Tip: Sometimes the exact variety denomination and the time of cutting are not known. Then it helps to check the reed plant at short intervals in spring. As soon as it sprouts again, it is high time for the pruning. The time can then be noted for the next year.

Why autumn and winter are not suitable

In autumn, the stalks and foliage of the reed plants change color from bright green to yellow or brown. Without juice, completely dried up, the above-ground shoots rise into the air, life has completely disappeared from them. Nevertheless, they are still needed by the plant to get them safely through the cold season. They form a thick, protective coat that softens the icy winds and thus makes the plant hardy in the first place.

• Let everything dry stand for now
• it serves as frost protection for the plant
• Cutting in autumn increases the risk of frostbite
• hollow tubes can fill with water
• this accumulation of water encourages putrefaction
• the reeds are damaged
• or dies completely

Incidentally, dried reeds also look extremely decorative in the garden in winter. Especially when there is hoar frost on it and the whole plant glistens in the morning light.
Note: Some evergreen grasses are often mistakenly referred to as reeds. Wilted and damaged shoots may be carefully removed from these plants in autumn.

Take ecological aspects into account

Many densely overgrown reeds accommodate animal guests in winter. Ladybirds and lacewings like to use the dried up reeds as winter quarters because they find protection from uncomfortable weather conditions in it. Larvae often adhere to the stalks of water reeds and wait for warmer temperatures to emerge. Almost all of them are useful creatures that protect the garden from pests during the summer.

• Cutting too early can disrupt the development of the animals
• Before cutting, examine the reeds for animal inhabitants
• then it would be better to wait with the cut
• only cut when the quarters have been left
• possibly. skip the cut for a year
• the reeds can easily cope with a year without a cut

How often do you have to cut reeds?

The reeds are cut once a year, always in spring. The regular annual pruning is also essential for such a growth-friendly plant in order to obtain the desired shape. Even the dried up parts of the plant literally force the annual pruning. Although they are dry, they are still extremely stable in their shape. Even in spring and summer, they remain firmly attached to the plant and take up space and significantly narrow the space for new shoots. The green reeds with brown spots of color also look strange or even unhealthy.
Tip: If the cut could not be made in good time before new growth, it should not be made at a later point in time. A year without a cut does not harm the reeds. However, the reeds must be cut no later than next spring.

The right cutting tool

Cutting the reeds is an extensive and often time-consuming activity. It must be well prepared so that it can run smoothly. This includes the right cutting tool that makes cutting possible in the dense undergrowth.

• The size and density of the reeds are determined by the cutting tool
• Knives and secateurs are unsuitable for thick vegetation
• should at least have long cutting blades
• a large hedge trimmer is even better
• A pair of loppers has also proven its worth
• electric hedge trimmer is ideal

Note: The cutting tool used should be sharp to leave clean cut surfaces. In addition, it should be cleaned and disinfected beforehand so that no pathogens are transmitted when cutting.

Protective measures during cutting

Before you start cutting, you should protect yourself from direct contact with this plant. Reed grass is sharp-edged and can cause serious cuts. Since the reeds tend to be high, you should protect your entire body, but especially your hands.

• Reed grass is very sharp-edged
• Cuts like with a knife are possible
• Cover all parts of the body
• Wear clothes with long sleeves
• Safety glasses protect the eyes
• "thick" gloves are a must

Tip: There is a risk of injury not only when cutting, but also when disposing of the clippings. Therefore, keep the protective clothing until the end.

And this is how it is cut

The spring cut is a radical cut in which all parts above ground are cut off. With a large reed plant, there is a lot to be pruned. The planned procedure makes work easier.

1. Have the appropriate cutting tool ready, cleaned and disinfected.

2. Wear long clothing to protect yourself from cuts. Wear gloves and

if possible, protective goggles. When cutting with an electric hedge trimmer, small parts could fly through the air.

3. Cut the reeds "in portions". To do this, grasp some stalks with one hand while you cut with the other hand. However, if you are cutting with a hedge trimmer, you will need both hands. You can divide the stalks into several small tufts beforehand and tie them together.

4. Cut the bundled stalks close to the ground. The remaining ends should be about 10 cm high.

5. Work your way step by step from the outside in until you have cut off all the dried stalks.

Note: If the new shoots are already showing, the cut must be made over them so as not to damage their tips. If the new growth is already well advanced, the pruning should be avoided. Alternatively, individual stalks can be carefully cut out.

Urgent pruning measures

Sometimes the reeds, which are robust in themselves, can also be affected. Incorrect location and incorrect care are the triggers for unsightly or even life-threatening damage.

• progressive putrefaction
• "Sunburn damage" such as yellow and withered leaves
• require immediate cutting measures
• even outside of the optimal time
• Partial cut: only cut affected parts of the plant
• in the case of severe rot, a radical cut is unavoidable

Note: Take suitable protective measures against the risk of injury from sharp-edged leaves, even with partial cuts. The suitable, cleaned and disinfected cutting tool is also an important prerequisite for smaller cutting measures.

Pruning measures in case of heavy growth

If a reed plant spreads so strongly that the early radical pruning cannot tame it, pruning in the root area is inevitable. It should also be mentioned that it is best to take precautions when planting. The installation of a root barrier is labor-intensive, but reliably keeps the root area under control. If this work is neglected, the reeds can spread freely.

• reduce the girth of the plant
• with a pickaxe or spade
• determine the desired scope
• dig deep into the earth around it and cut off roots
• dig up the severed roots

Tip: The separated root parts can be used well for propagation. Just plant them in the new spot. This time preferably with a root barrier.

What to do with the cut reeds?

Anyone who cuts a full-grown reed plant piles up a small mountain with the cut parts of the plant. Creative people may enjoy some sturdy, hollow reeds. They are ideal for handicrafts, for example from so-called insect hotels. But what should be done with the rest? Can the reeds be composted?

• fibrous reeds rot very slowly
• only put small amounts on the compost heap
• chop beforehand
• the rest can be put in the organic waste bin

Note: If a diseased reed is cut, the cut material must be treated as residual waste and disposed of accordingly.