Trimming Ornamental Grasses

 

I have a weakness for Ornamental Grasses. They look beautiful as a single plant swaying in the breeze and can be absolutely stunning when planted in masses.

Many deciduous ornamental grasses benefit from one annual trimming before new spring growth begins. I usually leave mine standing through most of the winter because I love the straw color, texture, and movement they add to the landscape.

Here in East Texas, late winter is generally a good time to tackle the job. The important thing is to trim before fresh green growth gets too far along, since cutting after new blades emerge can leave them with damaged or ragged tips.

 

 
 

How Far Should You Cut Ornamental Grass Back?

 

There’s no single cutting height that’s correct for every ornamental grass. The appropriate height depends on the species, size of the plant, and where its crown and new growth are located.

For many deciduous ornamental grasses, leaving several inches of old growth above the crown works well. Larger grasses may be easier to manage when left somewhat taller.

The most important thing is to avoid cutting into or damaging the crown of the plant, where the new growth originates. Before cutting, look closely for fresh green shoots and make sure your cut stays above them.

Keep in mind that evergreen and semi-evergreen ornamental grasses may not need to be cut completely back at all. These may look better with old or damaged foliage selectively removed instead.

 
 

Dress for the Job

 

Wear gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and eye protection when working with ornamental grasses. Some varieties have surprisingly sharp leaf edges that can scratch or irritate your skin.

 
 

Tools for the Job

 

You won’t need all of these! The best tool depends on the size and density of the grass you’re trimming and what you’re comfortable using.

• Hand pruners

• Hedge shears

• Loppers

• Pruning saw

• Powered hedge trimmers

• String trimmer equipped with an appropriate brush-cutting attachment

• Bungee cord or sturdy twine

• Reciprocating saw with an appropriate blade for very dense clumps

Always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions when using powered equipment and make sure the area is clear of irrigation lines, landscape lighting, rocks, edging, and other obstacles before you begin.

 

 
 

Helpful Hint – Make a Ponytail!

 

One of the easiest ways to control the mess is to gather the grass into a big “ponytail” and secure it with a bungee cord or sturdy twine before cutting.

The old foliage stays bundled together as you work instead of scattering across the flower bed. Once you’ve finished cutting, you can lift away the entire bundle at once. It makes cleanup SO much easier!

 

 
 

Start Trimming

 

Once the foliage is bundled, use the appropriate cutting tool to work through the clump. Smaller grasses may be easy to handle with hand tools, while large, established grasses may require hedge trimmers or another suitable powered cutting tool.

For particularly large or dense grasses such as mature Pampas Grass, work carefully and consider tackling the clump in smaller sections. Pampas Grass has especially sharp foliage, so protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection are important.

Avoid using more powerful equipment than the job requires. Whatever tool you choose, make sure you can control it safely while keeping the blade away from the plant’s crown and anything hidden around the base of the grass.

 
 

Neatening Up

 

After the main clump has been removed, use hand pruners or shears to tidy uneven areas and remove loose dead foliage.

Clean away excessive old plant material from around the crown so sunlight and fresh air can reach the emerging growth.

If needed, finish with a fresh 2″–3″ layer of mulch around the plant to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch from piling directly against the crown.

 
 

Ready for Spring!

 

That’s it! Your ornamental grass may look a little bare immediately after its winter haircut, but once warmer weather arrives, fresh growth will quickly begin filling the clump again.

And if you’re like me, you’ll be ready to enjoy those grasses swaying in the breeze all over again!