As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can provide you with some guidance on when to cut back ornamental grasses. The timing for cutting back these grasses depends on whether they are evergreen or non-evergreen varieties.
For non-evergreen grasses, they typically start to lose their structure and die back after displaying their fall colors, which usually occurs in late October to early November. Once this happens, you can go ahead and cut them back to the ground. This will help tidy up the garden and prepare the grasses for new growth in the following season.
Ideally, it is best to cut back non-evergreen grasses by late February to early March. During this time, some species of grasses may already begin to show signs of new growth. By cutting them back at this point, you can encourage healthy and vigorous regrowth.
I often find that late winter or early spring is a great time to do this task as it coincides with other garden chores like pruning and preparing the soil for planting. It’s a time when the garden is waking up from its winter slumber, and cutting back the grasses can be a satisfying part of this rejuvenation process.
When I cut back ornamental grasses, I like to use a pair of sturdy garden shears or a hedge trimmer, depending on the size of the grass clumps. I start by gathering the grass blades together and then cut them back as close to the ground as possible. It’s important to be careful not to damage any emerging new growth while doing this.
After cutting back the grasses, I often collect the trimmings and add them to my compost pile. They can provide valuable organic matter that will eventually break down and enrich the soil. Additionally, removing the old, dead growth allows for better air circulation around the grass clumps, reducing the risk of disease and pests.
The best time to cut back non-evergreen ornamental grasses is after they have displayed their fall colors, typically in late October to early November. However, it is generally recommended to wait until late February to early March to ensure new growth has started. This timing allows for a tidy garden and encourages healthy regrowth in the following season.
