Reed & Bulrush Removal & Control

Simply Aquatic provides professional reed and bulrush removal services across the UK for ponds, lakes, fisheries, balancing ponds and commercial water bodies.

Using specialist aquatic machinery including the Truxor amphibious machine, we can mechanically cut, remove or grub out problematic reed growth whilst minimising damage to surrounding ground conditions and sensitive environments.

We work on both domestic and commercial projects ranging from small private lakes through to large-scale balancing ponds, fisheries and estate water bodies.

Reed and bulrushes are hardy, fast-growing wetland plants that can quickly take over your landscape, choking out native species and disrupting the ecological balance. Left unchecked, they can turn a beautiful water feature or wetland area into an unsightly, impenetrable thicket. These invasive plants not only hinder the visual appeal but also harm the local ecosystem.

The removal of reeds and bulrushes is often necessary to manage their growth and prevent them from becoming overly dominant in aquatic ecosystems. However, it's essential to approach their removal carefully to avoid causing harm to the environment and other native species which is where the Truxor Machine comes into action. Check out our blog post on why we use the Truxor amphibious machine.

Simply Aquatic offers options such as cutting the reed and also removal of the root system for a more permanent method.

In the UK, there are several species of aquatic reeds, also known as reedbed plants or bulrushes, that are commonly found in wetland habitats, including lakes, ponds, rivers, and marshes. A couple of the most notable aquatic reeds in the UK include:

Phragmites (Phragmites australis)

In the UK, Phragmites australis, commonly known as common reed, is a native species of tall, robust grass that is widespread and can be found in various wetland habitats.

While Phragmites australis is a native species and ecologically valuable, it can become invasive and dominate wetland areas, ponds and also lakes reducing the diversity of other plant species and wide spread growth.

Bulrush (Typha)

Bulrushes have tall, erect stems with long, strap-like leaves that arise from the base. The stems are often thicker and more cylindrical compared to reeds. Bulrushes are typically found in wetland habitats, including the edges of ponds, lakes, rivers, and marshes.

Bulrushes can become invasive and dominant in watercourse, outcompeting other native plant species. As a result, mechanical removal efforts will be required to control their spread and maintain the diversity and health of wetland ecosystems in the UK.

Common Reed & Bulrush Problems

Ponds becoming overgrown with reeds
Loss of open water
Restricted fishing access
Reduced water flow
Bulrushes spreading around pond margins
Reeds blocking views or access
Excessive sediment build-up around reed beds
Balancing ponds becoming heavily vegetated

Reed & Bulrush Removal Methods

The most suitable reed or bulrush removal method will depend on the type of water body, access, environmental considerations and the level of long-term control required. At Simply Aquatic, we typically offer both mechanical cutting and full root removal options depending on the project requirements.

Reed Grubbing & Root Removal

For longer-term control, reed grubbing or root removal may be the more suitable option.

This process involves mechanically removing the reed rhizome and root system from beneath the water level using specialist aquatic machinery such as the Truxor amphibious machine.

Root removal can provide more effective long-term control by significantly reducing regrowth rates and restoring larger areas of open water.

Reed grubbing is commonly used where:

Reeds have become heavily established

Water bodies are rapidly closing in

Long-term vegetation reduction is required

Access or visibility has become severely restricted

Previous cutting methods have failed

Due to the heavier nature of the works, root removal can be a slower and more invasive process compared to standard cutting. However, it is often the most effective long-term management solution for problematic reed and bulrush growth.

Reed Cutting & Clearance

Reed cutting is typically used as a short-term management solution where vegetation needs to be reduced quickly to improve access, restore open water or maintain channels through dense growth.

This method can be particularly effective for:

Opening fishing or boating access

Maintaining water flow around inlets and outlets

Seasonal vegetation management

Balancing pond maintenance

Reducing visual overgrowth

Mechanical cutting and clearance is generally a quicker and lower-cost option compared to full root removal. However, regrowth should be expected over time, meaning ongoing maintenance may still be required in future years.

Below are some before and after shots of Phragmites and Bulrush removal using the Truxor machine. The Truxor allows for removal of reeds whilst also protecting the margins and banks.

Before

Phragmites (Phragmites australis) Removal Using Truxor

After

Who we work for?

We provide reed and bulrush removal services for a wide range of domestic and commercial clients across the UK, including:

Fisheries and angling lakes
Golf courses and hotel lakes
Estate ponds and ornamental lakes
Balancing ponds and SuDS systems
Holiday parks and leisure lakes
Commercial developments and business parks

We undertake both one-off vegetation removal projects and ongoing aquatic maintenance works depending on the requirements of the site.

Why not take a look at one of our case studies where we removed overgrown bulrushes from a lake - read it here.

Contact Simply Aquatic today to learn more on how we can help with your reed and Bulrush problems.