This is a question I often hear from customers during winter:
“When is the best time to cut ornamental grasses?”
Ornamental grasses are different from regular lawn grass. They are grown on their own, often as a feature in the garden, and have their own shape.
Grasses can be divided into two main types: deciduous grasses (those that lose leaves in winter) and evergreen grasses (those that keep leaves all year). You also choose them based on size, sun or shade, and climate.
So, when should you cut deciduous grasses that lose their leaves and grow new ones in spring? And what about evergreen grasses—do you need to cut their leaves?
Deciduous Grasses
The timing depends on the grass type, its shape, sun exposure, and climate, but you can follow these three simple ideas:
- If the grass keeps its shape in winter:
You can leave it alone. Even if the leaves are brown, the plant still adds volume to the winter garden. Only cut it if snow or rain flattens the plant. Cut about one hand’s height from the ground, like a neat trim. - If the shape stays good until new leaves appear:
Wait for spring. When new leaves start to grow, trim the old leaves so the garden looks tidy. If you don’t trim, the old and new leaves mix and may not look nice. - If you prefer a cleaner look:
You can cut the old leaves anytime, even in winter. It’s fine to trim when you have time.
Evergreen Grasses
Even evergreen plants lose some leaves, but most stay on the plant, so they look green year-round.
Evergreen grasses also get old leaves. Usually, the tips turn brown or dull, showing that they are aging. You can trim these old leaves whenever they look untidy.
In spring, when new leaves start to grow, you can:
- Cut all the old leaves at the same time, or
- Wait until the new leaves push the old leaves aside and then tidy up.
It depends on the grass type and local climate, so just think: “Trim whenever it looks good.”
Extra Tip:
Grasses grow well in soil with good drainage. Even if you make a few mistakes, they usually recover.
If you watch your grasses often, you will notice the best time to cut them. You’ll learn the right timing for your garden.
Written by Andy Lee
Owner of Andy’s Landscape Inc. – Landscape Contractor in Maple Ridge, BC