Photo: Rasbak, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Grass-like plant
Common couch: when and how to prune
Elymus repens
Common couch is best pruned in June and September.
| Pruning months | June and September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–August |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Common couch: when to prune it?
In a wild corner or verge, in late June and in September.
Common couch: how to prune it?
- Mow at 5–10 cm with a scythe or a bar mower.
- Mow before the seed ripens if you do not want it to self-seed.
- Remove the cuttings so that the soil becomes poorer and other plants get a chance.
- Leave part standing each time as shelter for insects, also over winter.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: June and September. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Never rotavate ground with couch in it: the rotavator chops the rhizomes into pieces, and each piece grows into a new plant.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Common couch · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.