How to Cut Ornamental Grasses

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Ornamental grasses add unique texture and natural beauty to any landscape. Their wispy, graceful foliage sways attractively in the breeze. Many also put on a fall color show or have showy plumes. But to keep ornamental grasses looking their best, it’s important to know how to properly cut them back. Here is a complete guide to cutting ornamental grasses.

When to Cut Back Ornamental Grasses

The timing for cutting ornamental grasses depends on the type of grass

  • Cool season grasses – Cut back in early spring, removing about 2/3 of growth. Examples: blue oat grass, tufted hair grass.

  • Warm season grasses – Cut back in late winter before new growth emerges. Cut almost to the ground. Examples maiden grass fountain grass.

  • Evergreen grasses – Selectively trim out dead leaves instead of cutting back fully. Examples: sedge, carex.

Cutting too early sacrifices winter interest. Cutting too late risks damaging new growth. Time it right!

Tools for Cutting Ornamental Grasses

Having the proper tools makes the cutting job easier:

  • Hand pruners – Good for small ornamental grasses.

  • Hedge shears – Quickly cut back most ornamental grasses.

  • Loppers – Tackle tougher, woody grass stems.

  • Sickle or scythe – Traditional tools perfect for cutting ornamental grasses.

  • String trimmer – Quickly mow down large grasses.

Choose the right tool for the species and size of grass.

How to Cut Back Short Grasses

For small ornamental grasses under 3 feet tall:

  1. Gather tools – hand pruners or hedge shears work best.

  2. Trim grass back to 2-3 inches above soil level.

  3. Rake up debris and compost clippings.

Easy! Just lop off old growth in early spring.

How to Cut Back Tall Grasses

Tall grasses over 3 feet tall require a bit more prep:

  1. Gather tools – hedge shears, sickle, scythe, or string trimmer.

  2. Tie grass stems together with twine or bungee cords to keep upright.

  3. Cut down to 6-10 inches above ground, depending on species.

  4. Rake up any loose debris.

Clean-up and Composting

Rake up clippings after cutting. Compost or use as mulch. Remove any twine or ties. Woody stems can be used as plant stakes.

Proper clean-up keeps the area looking neat.

Tips for Cutting Ornamental Grasses

  • Wear gloves and safety glasses – grass blades can be sharp.

  • Know proper cutting height for each species.

  • Time it right – early spring for cool season grasses, late winter for warm season.

  • Use sharp, quality tools to make cutting easier.

  • Tie stems before cutting tall grasses to keep tidy.

Follow these tips for successfully cutting back your ornamental grasses!

Frequency of Entities:
ornamental grasses: 21
cut/cutting: 19
grass/grasses: 18
back: 10
growth: 5
trim: 3
foliage: 3
stems: 3

Useful Tips for Cutting Ornamental Grass

FAQ

Should ornamental grasses be cut back?

Ornamental grasses add texture, movement, and year-round interest to your garden, but to keep them healthy and vibrant, cutting them back every year is essential. Cutting back your grass gives a clean slate for the upcoming growing season and allows the plants to put their energy into producing fresh, vibrant foliage.

What is the best tool for cutting back ornamental grasses?

The large, established grasses may require more than pruning shears – this is where the power tools such as the weed eater with a blade or powered hedge trimmers or even a chain saw for Pampas grass is necessary. It is helpful to have a friend hold up the clump so it doesn’t fall on you as you cut.

Can I use a hedge trimmer to cut ornamental grass?

Cut the grass back to between 6 and 10 inches from the ground for the best rejuvenation. The most common tool for cutting back your fountain grasses are electric or petrol powered hedge trimmers. They feature serrated or toothed blades that are highly suited to cutting through the plant.

When should ornamental grasses be divided?

The best time of the year to divide them is in the spring just before the new growth emerges. If you buy the stock plants in the early spring, you might be able to divide them right away.

Can ornamental grass be cut?

Unlike lawn or turfgrass varieties, ornamental grasses are meant to grow—not be cut or mown—and most are not used as ground covers. Once you start landscaping with ornamental grasses you will be amazed by how many varieties, sizes, shapes, and colors are available.

When should you cut back grass?

Wait until late in the season to cut brown or spent grass. You want to cut back your grass once a year, as late in the season as possible. For warm season grasses, you want to trim them between late fall and mid-spring. For cool season grasses, cut them back in early spring.

Can ornamental grass be used as ground cover?

Ornamental grass can be used in landscapes for nonstop performance, strength, and visual impact. Unlike lawn or turfgrass varieties, ornamental grasses are meant to grow—not be cut or mown—and most are not used as ground covers.

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