As a lover of ornamental grasses, I know the panic that sets in when those beautiful plumes of texture suddenly look drab and lifeless. But before you pull up your grasses in defeat, don’t give up hope! In many cases, dead-looking ornamental grass can be revived with proper care and troubleshooting.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll explore the top reasons an ornamental grass can appear dead and the best remedies to bring it back to its former glory.
Natural Dormancy Phases
The most common reason ornamental grass dies back is its natural growth cycle. Many popular varieties like maiden grass, fountain grass, and pampas grass go dormant and lose their foliage in winter or extreme heat.
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Causes This is a survival mechanism when conditions are harsh. The grass conserves energy by going dormant
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Cures: Be patient! wait for spring or moderating temperatures, and new green growth will emerge. Gently remove dead foliage to tidy up. Avoid cutting into potential new shoots.
Panicums, miscanthus, and other grasses can also die back after blooming or seed production. This lasts about 6 weeks before new leaves appear.
Environmental Stressors
Stress from improper growing conditions is another major cause of ornamental grasses declining.
Overwatering
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Causes: Too much moisture prevents oxygen from reaching the roots, causing rot. It also leads to nutrient deficiencies.
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Cures: Plant grasses in fast-draining soil, reduce watering frequency, and let the soil dry between waterings. Consider amending dense soil with compost.
Underwatering
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Causes: Lack of consistent moisture, especially in hot, dry periods, causes severe stress.
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Cures: Deeply water grasses 1-2 times per week during drought and heat. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation for consistency. Mulch helps retain moisture.
Poor Soil
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Causes: Compacted, dense, or nutrient deficient soil prevents healthy roots.
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Cures: Test soil and amend accordingly. Incorporate organic matter like compost to improve texture. Adjust pH to slightly acidic (6.0-7.0).
Extreme Temperatures
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Causes: Ornamental grasses decline above 85°F and below 40°F. Hot sun scorches leaves.
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Cures: Plant grasses in sites with afternoon shade if possible. Provide supplemental water during heat waves. Add winter mulch in cold climates.
Pest or Disease Damage
Sometimes pests and diseases are the unseen culprits of declining grasses.
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Causes: Chewing and sucking insects like caterpillars, aphids, or spider mites. Fungal diseases like rust.
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Cures: Inspect plants routinely and treat pests immediately. Improve air circulation. Remove and discard diseased sections.
Aggressive Division or Pruning
Overzealous pruning and division can shock ornamental grasses.
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Causes: Cutting too short or frequently. Dividing at the wrong time of year.
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Cures: Research best practices for individual grass species. Prune in early spring, leaving some prior growth. Divide in early spring every 2-3 years.
Solutions to Revive Ornamental Grass
If your ornamental grass looks dead, don’t dig it up just yet! Try these tips first:
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Identify the possible cause like environmental stress, pests, or incorrect maintenance.
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Improve growing conditions with amended soil, proper sunlight, and attentive watering.
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Fertilize in early spring with a balanced soluble or granular fertilizer.
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Treat pest problems as soon as noticed.
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Prune back dead foliage in early spring to stimulate new growth.
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Wait until any chance of dormancy has passed before taking drastic action.
When to Remove Dead Ornamental Grass
If your grass fails to revive after troubleshooting care, it may be time to remove it completely.
Signs it’s time to remove:
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Decline continues for more than one growing season
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Most foliage is brown or missing
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No new shoots emerge after spring growth
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Center dies out completely
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Severe pest infestation persists
How to Remove Ornamental Grass
To remove an ornamental grass that is past saving:
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Cut the foliage close to the ground in early spring.
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Dig up the entire root mass using a spade or garden fork. Rake away excess soil.
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Discard the roots and spent grass in yard waste or compost pile. Avoid putting diseased plants in compost.
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Fill the planting hole with fresh soil and replant with a new ornamental grass suited to the location.
Tips for Preventing Dead Ornamental Grass
With proper care, you can avoid many common issues with ornamental grasses:
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Select types suited to your planting zone and climate.
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Plant in sites with good drainage and appropriate sun exposure.
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Water 1-2″ per week consistently during heat and drought.
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Fertilize according to species’ needs in early spring.
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Prune early spring every 2-3 years to stimulate growth.
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Divide when the center dies out, usually every 3-5 years.
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Monitor for pests and treat promptly when found.
Don’t Despair, Revive Your Ornamental Grass!
A dead-looking ornamental grass can be heartbreaking, but in many cases, it can make a comeback. Rule out natural causes first like seasonal dormancy. Then, remedy environmental stressors, cultivation issues, pests and disease. With troubleshooting and TLC, you can nurse your ornamental grass back to life! But if all else fails, it’s time to remove it and start fresh.
What experiences have you had reviving or removing ornamental grasses? I’d love to hear your stories and tips in the comments!
Problems with Ornamental Grasses
FAQ
How do you bring ornamental grass back to life?
Why did my ornamental grass not come back?
Should I cut back ornamental grasses?
What kills ornamental grass?
Why is my ornamental grass dying?
Cause: Poor soil quality or improper pH levels can stress your ornamental grass and make it appear dead. Grasses thrive in well-balanced soil with good aeration. If the soil is compacted or lacks essential nutrients, your grass may suffer. Cure: Test your soil using a soil testing kit or by sending a sample to a local extension office.
How do you know if ornamental grass is dead?
Brittle stems: Dead ornamental grass will have dry and brittle stems that snap easily when bent. If you notice that the stems are breaking off easily, it’s a sign that the plant is no longer alive. 3. No green foliage: A healthy ornamental grass will have green foliage, but a dead plant will have brown or yellow leaves that fall off easily.
Is my ornamental grass dead or dormant?
It can be difficult to determine whether your ornamental grass is dead or just dormant. Dormancy is a natural process that occurs during the winter months, where the plant conserves energy and prepares for the upcoming growing season. Dead grass, on the other hand, will not show any signs of life and will not come back in the spring.
How do you keep ornamental grass from dying?
Dividing the plant every two or three years can also help prevent ornamental grass from dying in the middle. If the center of the plant appears dead, you may need to dig and divide the entire plant. The best time to do this is in spring, before new growth emerges. Lastly, pruning can help revive struggling ornamental grass.
Does ornamental grass die in the middle?
When ornamental grass gets older, the center of the grass usually dies. If this happens, you should divide the grass and plant it again. The best time to divide and plant your old ornamental grass is during the spring before new growth starts. Why Is Ornamental Grass Dying in the Middle?
Why is my ornamental grass lifeless?
Cause: The most common reason for your ornamental grass to appear lifeless is simply that it’s in a state of winter dormancy or going through its natural growth cycle. Many grasses, like Miscanthus and Panicum, go through this phase where they appear brown and lifeless, especially during the colder months.