[header] How to prune bamboo [title] Prune once a year in late summer or early fall to minimize spreading. [step] Although bamboo has a rapid growth rate, you only need to prune it once a year if you do a really thorough job. Pruning your bamboo more frequently can actually cause it to send off more shoots. 
Mark on your calendar when to start pruning and coordinate it with fertilizing. [title] Cut down weak or dead canes in the spring to keep your plants healthy.