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When to Cut Back Ornamental Grasses?

There are numerous types of ornamental grasses available for nearly every climate and region. Ornamental grasses are easy to grow, low-maintenance and attractive during most seasons. To ensure proper growth, however, you'll need to cut back the ornamental grasses each year before new growth emerges. In addition to cutting back, you can provide certain other care and maintenance to keep your ornamental grasses attractive.

  1. Timeframe

    • The best time to cut back your ornamental grasses is right before the new season's growth begins. In most regions, this is late winter or early spring. Many ornamental grasses are attractive through winter, while others may not show as well. If your ornamental grasses don't remain attractive during winter, you can cut them back in late fall. Some ornamental grasses are evergreen and won't tolerate cutting back very well. If you have evergreen ornamental grasses, don't cut them back -- instead, simply remove the old leaves or blades in early spring.

    Instructions

    • To cut back ornamental grasses, use hand pruners or hedge shears. You might also use a weed-eater with a brush-cutting attachment. Cut the grass stems to within 4 to 6 inches from the ground. If you wait too long to cut the ornamental grasses back in spring the grasses will likely delay new growth by up to three weeks. This occurs because the old leaf blades keep the crowns from warming up properly.

    Other Care

    • In addition to cutting back, ornamental grasses also need at least 1 inch of water every week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. Ornamental grasses need very little fertilization -- no more than one-quarter cup per plant or 1 pound per 100 square feet, using a 10-10-10 N-P-K slow-release fertilizer formula. Apply the fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. Avoid over-fertilizing with too much nitrogen, because this can increase your ornamental grasses' susceptibility to diseases and promote weak stems.

    Dividing

    • Most ornamental grasses also require dividing every three to four years to avoid over-crowding, which can cause the center of the grass masses to die back. If you have a warm-season grass type, divide it in early spring. For cool-season ornamental grasses, divide the clumps in the fall. Simply dig up the clumps, separate them and replant them. You may need to use an ax or saw to cut through the tough roots, but you can usually divide the clumps using the blade of your shovel.

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