Comments on: When to cut back ornamental grasses: A complete how-to guide

By: David Thompson

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 10:09:03 +0000

In reply to B. Arthur.

I use the same technique (mechanical hedge trimmers). They provide a nice even cut and I can easily adjust the height of my cut. Thanks for all the helpful advice.

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By: Gail

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 22:00:35 +0000

In reply to E’liane Khang.

I did this yesterday, following your tips. The snow had melted enough in my PEI garden to clear away the debris.

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By: Franklin mundrick

Sat, 04 Nov 2023 01:11:30 +0000

I cut all of mine, short and tall, with a battery operated hedge trimmer. The grasses just lay down nice and neat as you cut.

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By: Tom salter

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:46:24 +0000

If I wait until the snow melts in zone 4, then all my grasses. Will spend the months of dec-mar crushed down, matted and starting to rot plus be a winter home for rodents all of which are bad results

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By: Niki Jabbour

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 14:06:49 +0000

In reply to Mike harrison.

Good question! I too have done this in the past… but with recent drought conditions and local wildfire issues I no longer burn my grasses back. This has to be done very carefully and under wet conditions. I can’t recommend it as there are so many factors that must be met to ensure safe burning.

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By: Mike harrison

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 13:41:51 +0000

How about burning them off come spring? I’ve done this many times with good success

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By: Carol R

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 18:29:33 +0000

I wrap twine around the stems midway up and pull them together first then I use my battery powered hedge shears and cut straight across at the bottom with one cut. Since all the stems are already tied together I just pick up he bundle of long stems and nothing to rake up afterwards.

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By: D.ALLAN

Sat, 28 Oct 2023 20:44:39 +0000

After trying different methods and tools , I found a keyhole saw the easiest and fastest way to cut back old growth. I grab a handful of the stalks , squeeze and cut .

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By: Niki Jabbour

Sat, 28 Oct 2023 18:01:28 +0000

In reply to Vicki Wilson.

Hi Vicki, Great question!! Purple fountain grass is hardy to zone 9-10, so it may still be too tender for you. You could dig it up in autumn, move it to a pot, and try to overwinter it in a garage or greenhouse. You also could try to deep mulch it with straw to protect it over winter. It’s a bit of a longshot, but it’s possible. Hope that helps!! Good luck. – Niki

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By: Bunny allen

Sat, 28 Oct 2023 14:03:41 +0000

I take my pampas grass cuttings and scatter them around the pathways in my yard. It helps to put a layer between the mud and shoes or dog paws. I also scatter a good layer around my plants for a layer of protection for winter and in the spring my yard is full of worms, wildlife loves digging the worms out during mild times. In the spring the birds will take some of the reeds and make nest with it
In the spring I mulch it with the lawnmower. I’m in zone 6.

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