Because reed canary grass establishes in wetland areas and is able to re-grow from underground rhizomes, it is difficult to eradicate.

Grazing may reduce this grass and increase species diversity. However, grazing must be maintained for a long period of time and the grass responds by becoming tough and less palatable.  Mowing has also been shown to be effective if multiple cuttings are done for several years in a row.

  A variety of herbicides have been used to control reed canary grass.  The grass is usually sprayed in late summer and early fall with glyphosate. Unfortunately, this herbicide also kills native plant species and there is some risk in spraying near aquatic ecosystems.

In some areas, reed canary grass has been controlled by scraping and removing the top 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) of soil from the wetland.  This practice removes seeds and rhizomes but is extremely expensive and requires replanting with native species.  A less-costly and somewhat effective treatment is repeated tilling of the soil to a depth of about 20 cm.

Shading may be used to prevent the sprouting of reed canary grass seeds.  Willows or conifers are planted to block sunlight from reaching the soil.  Although this method is effective for excluding reed canary grass, the result may not be desirable, as natural wetlands are not always forested.