Debi shows you how to cut back ornamental grasses in early spring, the right way. Learn when to prune, how far to cut back, and her simple ponytail trick for tackling larger clumps. A quick job now sets your grasses up perfectly for fresh new growth.
How to prune ornamental grasses
Read the transcript
Early spring is a good time to cut back deciduous ornamental grasses such as Miscanthus sinensis. The old stems protect the crown through winter, give wildlife somewhere to shelter and add interest to the garden. Trim them before fresh growth emerges.
Choose your tools. Secateurs give you a precise cut. Hedge shears are quicker on larger clumps, and a hedge trimmer makes short work of a big job. Wear gloves and eye protection, as grass blades can be sharp, and use ear protection with noisy power tools.
Tie up floppy clumps. If you can’t reach the base, gather the stems into a ponytail and secure them with string or a bungee cord. Cut the old stems to around 10–15 cm above ground, taking care around new shoots. Chop up the trimmings for the compost heap.
Tidy the crown. Snip off any straggly blades with secateurs, then gently remove loose dead material from the crown. Rake up the last bits and add them to the compost. The grass is ready for new growth.
