How to Trim Bamboo Plants

Overview

Bamboo is a fast-growing decorative grass that comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Bamboo groves make excellent wind breaks, natural screens or decorative additions to your garden. It is easy to grow and care for. Likewise, trimming your grove is easily done to create the effect you desire. Trim your bamboo to create a tidier grove, to keep it from growing too tall or to clean up an overpopulated grove. Pruning away the old canes, damaged side branches and excess plants will improve the health and appearance of your bamboo grove.

Step 1

Trim the culm (main stalk) of your bamboo to stop its upward growth. Use pruning shears to cut the culm just above the node (the joint in the stem). Do this type of trimming in the winter after the culm sheath has fallen away.

Step 2

Shape your bamboo by trimming the side branches. As side branches emerge from the culm, they can simply be brushed off the culm by hand. If they have hardened, use pruning shears to trim the side branches close to the culm, leaving no bud. This type of trimming can be done at any time.

Step 3

Cut down old canes or unneeded canes with a handsaw. Trim the cane flush to the ground to prevent tripping. Do not trim out unneeded canes prematurely; wait until the bamboo is established. This usually takes three to five growing seasons.