Ornamental
grasses are an interesting, low-maintenance addition to the
landscape. You may use several plants to fill a bare corner or line the garden
path. Limited care and ornamental grass pruning are mainly all that’s needed to
keep them attractive.
When Does Ornamental Grass Need Pruning?
Several varieties of ornamental grasses, some tall, some short, are used to help design the landscape. Many have colorful seed heads that make them even more attractive. Regardless of the type, however, most will benefit from pruning in some manner.
There are two seasons of growth for ornamental grasses, cool season and warm season. If you’re not aware of which type you’ve planted, just keep an eye on when the growth begins. This may help answer your questions about pruning ornamental grasses.
Some types of grass begin growth in
late winter to early spring while others don’t sprout new growth until later in
the spring season. Cutting back ornamental grass is best done before this growth
begins.
Some of us like to keep the grass
as a winter feature in landscapes that would otherwise be bare. If grasses
provide winter interest in your landscape, wait until late winter to cut them
back.
How to Prune Ornamental Grass Plants
Many grasses will appreciate a good
trim. You’ll have growth soon and your grasses will fill the chosen spot. If
growth seems slow, or has not begun by late spring, you may consider
fertilizing your specimens.
Learning how to prune ornamental
grass often includes removing dead or damaged blades as opposed to cutting back
the whole clump. Comb it with a small, fine toothed rake to easily get your
clump back in shape. Prune dead blades at the bottom if they don’t come out
with combing. You may also comb with gloved hands.
For taller grasses, bind them about
a half a foot (15 cm.) up and prune at that point. Depending on the height of
your grass variety, you may prune them lower, but don’t cut flush with the
ground.
Limited pruning of ornamental
grasses helps keep them looking their best. Take the time to keep them in shape
as needed.
Ornamental
grasses are an interesting, low-maintenance addition to the
landscape. You may use several plants to fill a bare corner or line the garden
path. Limited care and ornamental grass pruning are mainly all that’s needed to
keep them attractive.
When Does Ornamental Grass Need Pruning?
Several varieties of ornamental grasses, some tall, some short, are used to help design the landscape. Many have colorful seed heads that make them even more attractive. Regardless of the type, however, most will benefit from pruning in some manner.
There are two seasons of growth for ornamental grasses, cool season and warm season. If you’re not aware of which type you’ve planted, just keep an eye on when the growth begins. This may help answer your questions about pruning ornamental grasses.
Some types of grass begin growth in
late winter to early spring while others don’t sprout new growth until later in
the spring season. Cutting back ornamental grass is best done before this growth
begins.
Some of us like to keep the grass
as a winter feature in landscapes that would otherwise be bare. If grasses
provide winter interest in your landscape, wait until late winter to cut them
back.
How to Prune Ornamental Grass Plants
Many grasses will appreciate a good
trim. You’ll have growth soon and your grasses will fill the chosen spot. If
growth seems slow, or has not begun by late spring, you may consider
fertilizing your specimens.
Learning how to prune ornamental
grass often includes removing dead or damaged blades as opposed to cutting back
the whole clump. Comb it with a small, fine toothed rake to easily get your
clump back in shape. Prune dead blades at the bottom if they don’t come out
with combing. You may also comb with gloved hands.
For taller grasses, bind them about
a half a foot (15 cm.) up and prune at that point. Depending on the height of
your grass variety, you may prune them lower, but don’t cut flush with the
ground.
Limited pruning of ornamental
grasses helps keep them looking their best. Take the time to keep them in shape
as needed.