Best time of the year for temperate rhizome pruning?

[JohnC]

Further to my rhizome turning into a culm thread I'm thinking of experimenting with this particular runner. Can I cut off the rhizome tip now or should I wait? (I want to see if it splits into two that go perpendicular to the existing runner)

[David]

You can cut it now, and since the rhizomes are growing strongly, it will probably send out new rhizomes at angles to the original rhizome.

[JohnC]

Cool thanks David, is there a time of year you *shouldn't* prune the rhizomes? When it's actively shooting I guess?

[David]

John,
I tend to rhizome prune whenever I find one going where I don't want it to go. I'm sure that others prefer certain times of the year. Late winter seems to be a good time, and some people prune late fall. I actually like to prune as the plants are shooting since it is easy to spot the errant rhizome. I don't think I've seen any negative effects on my groves, and I find it easier to keep my bamboo in check with continual pruning.
David