How to Trim Horsetail Bamboo in the Winter

Horsetail bamboo, also called winter scouring rush, produces 4-foot, jointed stems that grow from rhizomes. Under the correct conditions, it easily reaches 6-foot widths in as little as one to two seasons if new shoots are not trimmed back as quickly as they appear. Although horsetail looks and grows like bamboo, it is not bamboo. In fact, horsetail bamboo is an invasive bog plant that requires extensive pruning to keep it in check, beginning in late winter.

Sharp, heavy-duty pruning shears or hacksaw

Instructions

- 1
  Wait until the end of winter to begin trimming. The best time is just after winter’s final thaw but before the horsetail turns green and lush with signs of new growth. Start by cutting dead and damaged stems to the soil line by using sharp, heavy-duty pruning shears or a hacksaw.
- 2
  Thin unwanted stems if more trimming is desired. If you want to cut the plant's density, then prune the unwanted stems to the soil line.
- 3
  Trim the entire horsetail bamboo to the soil line in late winter if desired. In spring, the trimmed plant will regrow quickly, but then you can decrease its density with regular cuttings as soon as you see new shoots emerge.

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