Have you ever seen reeds tied together at the top? Do you know when and why to do this? Find out here!
Why and when should you tie reeds together?
Reeds should be tied up at the top before winter to keep moisture away from the roots and protect them from cold and damp. Use a sturdy twine (€5.00 on Amazon) and do not cut the reeds back in the fall to avoid rotting.
Reeds don't need winter protection, but
Reeds are hardy, but should still be prepared for the cold season - by braiding the fronds together at the top. The best way to do this is to take a sturdy piece of twine (€5.00 on Amazon) and wrap it several times around several fronds and leaves. Secure the thread so that it cannot open easily.
Why are reeds tied together?
Binding the leaves together prevents moisture from penetrating the roots from above. This protects the roots from moisture and cold.
Cut reeds before winter?
For the same reason, it is strongly discouraged to cut reeds before the onset of winter. If you cut back the leaves in autumn, the roots are exposed to cold and moisture and, in the worst case, can rot.