- Why is it so difficult to dig up reeds
- How deep do I have to dig to dig up reeds?
- What tools do you need to dig up reeds?
- This is how you go about digging
- Prevention is better than excavation
Reeds can become a real nuisance: the roots spread very far and drive away other plants. Digging up is one way to get rid of the reeds permanently. In the following, you will find out how best to proceed and what needs to be taken into account.
Digging is a tedious but effective way to remove reeds
Why is it so difficult to dig up reeds
Two different types of plants are referred to as reed, but their root growth is quite similar: reed and Chinese reed. Both species are very prolific, although there are a few new breeds that do not form long stolons. Real reed and common Chinese reed, however, form extremely long roots and spread both in width and in depth. The roots of reed can reach up to 1.5 meters deep into the ground, while the roots of Chinese reed can even reach up to 2.5 meters. This makes removal extremely complicated.
How deep do I have to dig to dig up reeds?
In general, one can assume that the larger the reed, the longer the roots. So if your reeds are several meters tall, you can expect to have to dig down to a meter or even two meters. If the reeds are still relatively low, you may be lucky and only have to dig half a meter deep.
What tools do you need to dig up reeds?
Since reeds are very sharp-edged, you should definitely wear sturdy gardening gloves when removing the reeds. You will also need sharp pruning shears, a pickaxe and a good spade with a shovel that is as sharp as possible.
This is how you go about digging
- First cut the leaves and fronds down to the ground.
- Then use the pickaxe to loosely chop and remove the exposed roots.
- Then, alternating spades and pickaxes, chop and dig both deep and wide until you've removed all the root debris.
- Be sure to remove all parts of the plant to keep the reeds from coming back.
Prevention is better than excavation
Excavation is tedious and tedious. It is therefore advisable to curb root growth when planting. When planting out, place a root barrier around your reeds or Chinese reeds to prevent the ornamental grass from spreading randomly.