How to prune common spike-rush

Late autumn or early spring to remove dead growth. Pull or cut dead stems at their base near the rhizome. Work carefully to avoid uprooting established clumps. If spread needs controlling, lift and trim the root mass in spring, replanting contained sections.

Rarely; tidy dead growth once a year in autumn or early spring. Common Spike-rush is a low-growing marginal aquatic that needs very little pruning. Remove dead or brown stems at the base in late autumn or early spring. It is generally self-tidying and does not require shaping. Containment of rhizome spread in pond baskets is the main management consideration.

Pull or cut dead stems at their base near the rhizome. Work carefully to avoid uprooting established clumps. If spread needs controlling, lift and trim the root mass in spring, replanting contained sections.