Key Points
Whether your ornamental grasses are warm- or cool-season determines when to prune them.Avoid pruning in mid-summer or mid-winter—doing so can stunt growth.Cut no more than one-third of living growth, bundle dead leaves, and trim about 3 to 6 inches from the ground.
Ornamental grasses are a wonderful way to spruce up your lawn or add some softness and movement to your garden. However, before you jump in, it’s important to know how to maintain them.
These herbaceous perennials are grown primarily for the texture and form, according to Sam Niemann, landscape designer and founder of Bleume and Grown by Design. Most will go dormant in winter, but some are evergreen. Knowing the difference—and when to cut them back—is essential for a dazzling display. Ready to get started? Here are some pruning tips from the experts.
When to Cut Back
The best time to cut back ornamental grasses depends on whether they’re warm-season or cool-season varieties.
“Warm-season grasses should be cut back in fall, while cool-season grasses are best trimmed in early spring,” says Niemann. “You can tell the difference by their growth pattern: warm-season grasses grow most actively in summer, while cool-season grasses grow most in spring and fall.”
When Not to Cut Back
It’s important to know when to leave your ornamental grasses alone and let them flourish.
“Avoid cutting back ornamental grasses in mid-summer or mid-winter,” says Niemann. “Cutting them during summer can stunt growth, and trimming them in winter can expose the crown to damage from freezing temperatures.”
Benefits of Cutting Back
Cutting ornamental grass promotes healthy, fresh new growth by providing a clean slate for the growing season; it encourages a plant’s energy to go into producing a vibrant foliage.
It’s also important for maintenance. “Cutting back keeps the ornamental grasses looking tidy and attractive, removing unsightly dead leaves and stems,” says Rohan Maynard, hydroponic farm manager at Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club. “Removing dead foliage and debris helps to prevent the buildup of mildew, mold, and pests.”
Tips and Tricks
When you start pruning, try to cut out what seems dead or dried out, says Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi. “Be careful not to remove too much,” she adds. “A good rule of thumb is to never remove more than one-third of the plant’s total living growth.”
Maynard recommends gathering all the dead foliage into a neat bundle using a bungee cord or string. “You can use secateurs, loppers, shears, or electric hedge trimmers for large clumps—cut the bundle about 3 to 6 inches from the ground,” he adds.
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