How to prune typha latifolia

Late winter to early spring, just before new growth begins. Use loppers or a pruning saw to cut all stems to 10–15 cm above water level. Remove all cut material — decomposing stems reduce water quality. Contain rhizome spread with an aquatic planting basket or root barrier.

Annually (late winter/early spring cutback is essential to control spread). Common bulrush (cattail) benefits from an annual hard cutback to prevent it overwhelming a pond and to remove old brown stems before they shed seeds. Cut all stems to 10–15 cm above the waterline in late winter or early spring, just before new growth emerges. Without this annual cutback, stands spread aggressively and stems become untidy.

Use loppers or a pruning saw to cut all stems to 10–15 cm above water level. Remove all cut material — decomposing stems reduce water quality. Contain rhizome spread with an aquatic planting basket or root barrier.