{"id":41477,"date":"2025-09-29T22:11:25","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T22:11:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=41477"},"modified":"2025-09-29T22:11:30","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T22:11:30","slug":"how-to-cut-back-ornamental-grasses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-back-ornamental-grasses\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Cut Back Ornamental Grass"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cutting back ornamental grass with the right technique encourages easy spring cleanup, healthy grass, and winter shelter for wildlife. In this guide, we\u2019ll walk you through how to cut back ornamental grass in 7 simple steps.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you\u2019re growing short or tall varieties, warm-season or cool-season types, or even evergreens, we cover all the bases. You\u2019ll learn the best time to cut ornamental grass, what tools you\u2019ll need, how much to trim, and how to clean up in a jiffy.&nbsp;<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-facfeb71-648e-4641-ac93-af0f538a249f\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">Table of Contents:\u00a0<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-back-ornamental-grasses\/#0-tools-for-cutting-ornamental-grass\" style=\"\">Tools for cutting ornamental grass<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-back-ornamental-grasses\/#1-step-1-time-right\" style=\"\">Step 1: Time right<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-back-ornamental-grasses\/#2-step-2-prepare-the-area\" style=\"\">Step 2: Prepare the area<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-back-ornamental-grasses\/#3-step-3-determine-how-much-to-cut\" style=\"\">Step 3: Determine how much to cut<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-back-ornamental-grasses\/#4-step-4-bundle-the-grass\" style=\"\">Step 4: Bundle the grass<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-back-ornamental-grasses\/#5-step-5-cut-back-the-grass\" style=\"\">Step 5: Cut the grass<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-back-ornamental-grasses\/#6-step-6-tidy-up\" style=\"\">Step 6: Tidy up<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-back-ornamental-grasses\/#7-step-7-provide-aftercare\" style=\"\">Step 7: Provide aftercare<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-back-ornamental-grasses\/#8-faq-about-cutting-back-ornamental-grass\" style=\"\">FAQ about cutting back ornamental grass<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-back-ornamental-grasses\/#9-hire-a-landscape-pro\" style=\"\">Hire a landscape pro<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-tools-for-cutting-ornamental-grass\"><span id=\"tools-for-cutting-ornamental-grass\">Tools for cutting ornamental grass<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll need to cut back your ornamental grass:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Pruning shears or hedge shears (for <strong>evergreen grasses<\/strong> and grasses <strong>2 feet tall or under<\/strong>)<\/li>    <li>Hedge shears or pruning saw (for grasses<strong> 2 to 5 feet tall<\/strong>)<\/li>    <li>Power hedge trimmer (for grasses <strong>over 5 feet tall<\/strong>)<\/li>    <li>Bungee cord, twine, biodegradable string, or other material to tie around the grass<\/li>    <li>Gardening gloves or work gloves<\/li>    <li>Safety glasses<\/li>    <li>Wheelbarrow or tarp (if you expect lots of cleanup)<\/li>    <li>Rake&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-step-1-time-right\"><span id=\"step-1-time-right\">Step 1: Time right<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best time to cut your ornamental grass depends on whether the plant is cool-season, warm-season, or evergreen.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Time the cut for <strong>late-winter<\/strong> or<strong> early-spring<\/strong> if you grow <strong>cool-season grass<\/strong>. Cut after the last expected frost date and before new growth begins.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cut back <strong>warm-season grass<\/strong> in <strong>mid- to late-spring<\/strong>. Similar to cool-season grass, cut when there\u2019s no threat of frost and before new growth begins.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prune your evergreens in<strong> late-winter <\/strong>or <strong>early-spring<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you live in an area prone to wildfires, cut your warm-season grass in the<strong> <\/strong>fall. Otherwise, wait until spring, according to Matthew McKernan, horticulture agent at K-State Research and Extension in Sedgwick County, Kansas.\u00a0<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLeaving the foliage provides additional insulation for the plant near the ground level,\u201d he says. \u201cWithout the insulation of the foliage, the sunlight on warm winter days may encourage plants to attempt to grow prior to the start of spring, and suffer additional freeze or frost damage to new growth.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">McKernan adds that many ornamental grasses add color, sound, and movement to the winter landscape, as well as provide habitat for beneficial insects, pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-step-2-prepare-the-area\"><span id=\"step-2-prepare-the-area\">Step 2: Prepare the area<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clear the area around the grass of decor, furniture, and other obstacles so that you can move easily. The last thing you want is to trip while operating your power hedge trimmer.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Park your wheelbarrow or lay down the tarp nearby for easy cleanup after cutting.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-step-3-determine-how-much-to-cut\"><span id=\"step-3-determine-how-much-to-cut\">Step 3: Determine how much to cut<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/grasping-ornamental-grass.jpg\" alt=\"A hand gently grasps a lush bundle of ornamental grasses, capturing the essence of nature's beauty. \" class=\"wp-image-41497\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/grasping-ornamental-grass.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/grasping-ornamental-grass-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/grasping-ornamental-grass-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/grasping-ornamental-grass-610x405.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Grasping a bundle of ornamental grass. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/a-hand-gently-grasps-a-lush-bundle-of-ornamental-grasses-capturing-the-essence-of-nature-s-beauty\/1671339151\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Andrii_Abriutin<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deciding where to cut will help you bundle the grass in the next step.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cool-season grasses<\/strong> won\u2019t tolerate a severe trim, so prepare to cut back only <strong>two-thirds<\/strong> of the plant.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Warm-season grasses<\/strong> can handle a heavy-duty pruning. Cut to a height of <strong>6 inches<\/strong> for grasses that grow <strong>above 3 feet tall<\/strong>. Cut to a height of 3 inches for varieties that grow to <strong>3 feet tall or under<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Evergreen ornamental grasses<\/strong>, such as sedges or rushes, don\u2019t require the same cutback technique as cool- and warm-season grasses. So, you won\u2019t need to take measurements or bundle the grass in the next step.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Type of grass<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>How short to cut it<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Example grasses<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cool-season<\/td><td>Two-thirds of the way (leave behind one-third)&nbsp;<\/td><td>Feather reed grass, blue oat grass, blue fescue<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Warm-season (3 feet tall or under)<\/td><td>3 inches above the ground<\/td><td>Little bluestem, pink muhly grass<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Warm-season (more than 3 feet tall)<\/td><td>6 inches above the ground<\/td><td>Big bluestem, maiden grass, switchgrass<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-step-4-bundle-the-grass\"><span id=\"step-4-bundle-the-grass\">Step 4: Bundle the grass<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cutting ornamental grass without tying it back first is like making a smoothie without the blender lid\u2014the grass flies everywhere.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wrap your cool- and warm-season grass with a bungee cord, twine, string, or other item just like you would tie hair back in a ponytail. If you\u2019re growing evergreens, skip this step.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tie the grass a few inches above where you need to cut. Otherwise, the grass will unravel while cutting.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your grass is tall or thick and bushy, bind the grass two or three times, with each section about a foot apart.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tying back ornamental grass before cutting doesn\u2019t affect the plant\u2019s health, so skipping this step won\u2019t cause harm. McKernan says, \u201cIf there is a benefit to tying up ornamental grass right before cutting, it would be that it helps make spring cleanup easier.\u201d<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-step-5-cut-back-the-grass\"><span id=\"step-5-cut-back-the-grass\">Step 5: Cut back the grass<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cutting-back-ornamental-grass-1.jpg\" alt=\"Woman in orange overalls and brown hat pruning tall dried ornamental grasses with garden shears during autumn maintenance in outdoor garden.\" class=\"wp-image-41488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cutting-back-ornamental-grass-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cutting-back-ornamental-grass-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cutting-back-ornamental-grass-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cutting-back-ornamental-grass-1-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cutting Back Ornamental Grass. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/spring-garden-cleanup-woman-cutting-back-perennial-ornamental-grasses-gardener-pruning-panicum-with-shears\/1326961639\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">maryviolet<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Equipped with your work gloves and safety glasses, it\u2019s time to cut. You\u2019ll slice and prune straight through the bundled grass, creating a clean and even cut.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How tall your grass is will determine which tool works best:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Pruning shears or hedge shears (for grasses <strong>2 feet tall or under<\/strong>)<\/li>    <li>Hedge shears or pruning saw (for grasses<strong> 2 to 5 feet tall<\/strong>)<\/li>    <li>Power hedge trimmer (for grasses <strong>over 5 feet tall<\/strong>)<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>If you\u2019re growing evergreen sedges or rushes<\/strong>, the pruning technique is simple. Comb your gloved hands through the plant to collect dead material, or use your pruning shears to selectively prune.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After cutting, place the grass bundles on the tarp or in the wheelbarrow.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-step-6-tidy-up\"><span id=\"step-6-tidy-up\">Step 6: Tidy up<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now that you\u2019ve cut the grass, let\u2019s figure out what to do with these bundles. You have a few options:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Compost: <\/strong>Recycle your ornamental grass by adding it to your compost pile. Cut the blades into smaller pieces for faster decomposition. Don\u2019t unbundle the grass until after you\u2019ve done this, otherwise the grass will go flying.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Local yard waste disposal: <\/strong>Some counties offer curbside pickup for yard waste. Check your local laws for proper green trash disposal, as some areas prohibit landfill disposal.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Leave the bundles in the garden: <\/strong>\u201cSome people will leave those bundles of tied up grass in the corner of the landscape for a couple of months in order to allow pollinators and other insects that may have been overwintering in the stems on the grass to emerge,\u201d McKernan says.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After you\u2019ve relocated the grass via the tarp or wheelbarrow, rake the area to remove any remaining foliage left behind. Otherwise, too many stray grass clippings may suffocate emerging plants.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-step-7-provide-aftercare\"><span id=\"step-7-provide-aftercare\">Step 7: Provide aftercare<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After cleaning the area, assess whether the plants need water or mulch, or need to be divided.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the soil is dry, give the grass water, but don\u2019t oversaturate. Apply a light layer of mulch to help retain moisture and prevent weed growth.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you notice dieback in the middle of the plant\u2019s base, this donut shape is a sign the grass needs dividing. Now is a good time to add this task to your calendar.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Divide ornamental grass while the plant is <em>actively growing<\/em>, but before it flowers. If you divide the plant while it\u2019s dormant, it may struggle to recover and take root.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interested in adding new ornamental grasses to your landscape? Here are our recommendations:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-drought-tolerant-ornamental-grasses\/\">Best Drought-Tolerant Ornamental Grasses<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/ornamental-grasses-wisconsin\/\">The Best Ornamental Grasses for Wisconsin<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/native-ornamental-grasses-south-carolina\/\">Native Ornamental Grasses for South Carolina Landscapes<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/south-dakota-native-grasses\/\">South Dakota Native Grasses for Lawns and Landscapes<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-faq-about-cutting-back-ornamental-grass\"><span id=\"faq-about-cutting-back-ornamental-grass\">FAQ about cutting back ornamental grass<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1759119333763\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are some common mistakes to avoid when trimming ornamental grasses?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Some common mistakes when trimming ornamental grasses include:<br\/><br\/>\u2022 Cutting at the wrong time<br\/>\u2022 Using dull tools<br\/>\u2022 Cutting cool-season grasses too low<br\/>\u2022 Cutting without bundling the grass<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1759119342372\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What\u2019s the best way to cut ornamental grasses that have tough, woody centers?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A power hedge trimmer or pruning saw are <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-must-have-pruning-tools\/\">must-have pruning tools<\/a> when cutting down ornamental grasses that have tough, woody centers.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1759119346839\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do I cut ornamental grasses growing in tight spaces?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Stick to smaller tools when pruning ornamental grasses in tight spaces, such as pruning shears. Avoid using large tools, as they may injure surrounding plants.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-hire-a-landscape-pro\"><span id=\"hire-a-landscape-pro\">Hire a landscape pro<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Between pruning your ornamental grasses, mulching your garden beds, and tending to your turfgrass, it\u2019s hard to find time for that new landscape project you\u2019ve been dreaming about.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Give yourself more time this spring and hire a lawn care pro through Lawn Love to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/lawn-mowing\">mow<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/lawn-fertilization\">fertilize<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/weed-control\">remove weeds<\/a> in the yard.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: Person cutting back ornamental grass. Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/cutting-back-ornamental-grasses-in-spring-garden-gardener-pruning-pennisetum-taking-care-of-fountain-grass\/752526526\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">maryviolet<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cutting back ornamental grasses requires proper timing, bundling the grass with string, and cutting at the appropriate height with the right tools. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":41479,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Cutting back ornamental grass with the right technique encourages easy spring cleanup, healthy grass, and winter shelter for wildlife. In this guide, we\u2019ll walk you through how to cut back ornamental grass in 7 simple steps.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Whether you\u2019re growing short or tall varieties, warm-season or cool-season types, or even evergreens, we cover all the bases. You\u2019ll learn the best time to cut ornamental grass, what tools you\u2019ll need, how much to trim, and how to clean up in a jiffy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ub\/table-of-contents-block {\"blockID\":\"1307318e-cc38-4a96-9fa5-029d56185b3e\",\"title\":\"Table of Contents:\u00a0\",\"links\":\"[{\\u0022blockName\\u0022:\\u0022core\/heading\\u0022,\\u0022clientId\\u0022:\\u0022673bafc6-cf79-4c2c-b08a-e28657e7e0aa\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022Tools for cutting ornamental grass\\u0022,\\u0022level\\u0022:2,\\u0022anchor\\u0022:\\u00220-tools-for-cutting-ornamental-grass\\u0022,\\u0022index\\u0022:0,\\u0022disabled\\u0022:false,\\u0022customContent\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022},{\\u0022blockName\\u0022:\\u0022core\/heading\\u0022,\\u0022clientId\\u0022:\\u00227d3f2f65-28ca-409a-a49d-b5737828f6d3\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022Step 1: Time right\\u0022,\\u0022level\\u0022:2,\\u0022anchor\\u0022:\\u00221-step-1-time-right\\u0022,\\u0022index\\u0022:1,\\u0022disabled\\u0022:false,\\u0022customContent\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022},{\\u0022blockName\\u0022:\\u0022core\/heading\\u0022,\\u0022clientId\\u0022:\\u002263743969-d089-4e87-ab56-8f074b95ebb3\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022Step 2: Prepare the area\\u0022,\\u0022level\\u0022:2,\\u0022anchor\\u0022:\\u00222-step-2-prepare-the-area\\u0022,\\u0022index\\u0022:2,\\u0022disabled\\u0022:false,\\u0022customContent\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022},{\\u0022blockName\\u0022:\\u0022core\/heading\\u0022,\\u0022clientId\\u0022:\\u0022643788b5-74fd-4aed-93bf-2ea5f4546364\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022Step 3: Determine how much to cut\\u0022,\\u0022level\\u0022:2,\\u0022anchor\\u0022:\\u00223-step-3-determine-how-much-to-cut\\u0022,\\u0022index\\u0022:3,\\u0022disabled\\u0022:false,\\u0022customContent\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022},{\\u0022blockName\\u0022:\\u0022core\/heading\\u0022,\\u0022clientId\\u0022:\\u0022c4d776a3-e24e-4c05-943a-27a1880858b5\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022Step 4: Bundle the grass\\u0022,\\u0022level\\u0022:2,\\u0022anchor\\u0022:\\u00224-step-4-bundle-the-grass\\u0022,\\u0022index\\u0022:4,\\u0022disabled\\u0022:false,\\u0022customContent\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022},{\\u0022blockName\\u0022:\\u0022core\/heading\\u0022,\\u0022clientId\\u0022:\\u0022f0d9e7f6-b9e7-4757-840e-d47335b79baa\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022Step 5: Cut back the grass\\u0022,\\u0022level\\u0022:2,\\u0022anchor\\u0022:\\u00225-step-5-cut-back-the-grass\\u0022,\\u0022index\\u0022:5,\\u0022disabled\\u0022:false,\\u0022customContent\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022},{\\u0022blockName\\u0022:\\u0022core\/heading\\u0022,\\u0022clientId\\u0022:\\u0022287db47a-f2d4-4158-9c56-e81910e2caeb\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022Step 6: Tidy up\\u0022,\\u0022level\\u0022:2,\\u0022anchor\\u0022:\\u00226-step-6-tidy-up\\u0022,\\u0022index\\u0022:6,\\u0022disabled\\u0022:false,\\u0022customContent\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022},{\\u0022blockName\\u0022:\\u0022core\/heading\\u0022,\\u0022clientId\\u0022:\\u0022b5b61ad4-11bf-4f81-9883-d2749a7fae5b\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022Step 7: Provide aftercare\\u0022,\\u0022level\\u0022:2,\\u0022anchor\\u0022:\\u00227-step-7-provide-aftercare\\u0022,\\u0022index\\u0022:7,\\u0022disabled\\u0022:false,\\u0022customContent\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022},{\\u0022blockName\\u0022:\\u0022core\/heading\\u0022,\\u0022clientId\\u0022:\\u0022139fa7b3-bf4e-441e-9890-0775849870e9\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022FAQ about cutting back ornamental grass\\u0022,\\u0022level\\u0022:2,\\u0022anchor\\u0022:\\u00228-faq-about-cutting-back-ornamental-grass\\u0022,\\u0022index\\u0022:8,\\u0022disabled\\u0022:false,\\u0022customContent\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022},{\\u0022blockName\\u0022:\\u0022core\/heading\\u0022,\\u0022clientId\\u0022:\\u00228e765a25-f908-4e19-94f0-e30e6b1f930e\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022Hire a landscape pro\\u0022,\\u0022level\\u0022:2,\\u0022anchor\\u0022:\\u00229-hire-a-landscape-pro\\u0022,\\u0022index\\u0022:9,\\u0022disabled\\u0022:false,\\u0022customContent\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022}]\",\"gaps\":[1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1]} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-tools-for-cutting-ornamental-grass\">Tools for cutting ornamental grass<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":41492,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\",\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cutting-ornamental-grass.jpg\" alt=\"Gardener wearing gloves uses pruning shears to cut back clump of fine ornamental grass during seasonal maintenance in outdoor garden.\" class=\"wp-image-41492\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cutting back clump of ornamental grass. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/cutting-back-ornamental-grasses-in-spring-garden-gardener-pruning-stipa-using-shears-taking-care-of-flower-border\/1412657014\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">maryviolet<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll need to cut back your ornamental grass:&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Pruning shears or hedge shears (for <strong>evergreen grasses<\/strong> and grasses <strong>2 feet tall or under<\/strong>)<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Hedge shears or pruning saw (for grasses<strong> 2 to 5 feet tall<\/strong>)<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Power hedge trimmer (for grasses <strong>over 5 feet tall<\/strong>)<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Bungee cord, twine, biodegradable string, or other material to tie around the grass<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Gardening gloves or work gloves<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Safety glasses<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Wheelbarrow or tarp (if you expect lots of cleanup)<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Rake\u00a0<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-step-1-time-right\">Step 1: Time right<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The best time to cut your ornamental grass depends on whether the plant is cool-season, warm-season, or evergreen.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Time the cut for <strong>late-winter<\/strong> or<strong> early-spring<\/strong> if you grow <strong>cool-season grass<\/strong>. Cut after the last expected frost date and before new growth begins.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Cut back <strong>warm-season grass<\/strong> in <strong>mid- to late-spring<\/strong>. Similar to cool-season grass, cut when there\u2019s no threat of frost and before new growth begins.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Prune your evergreens in<strong> late-winter <\/strong>or <strong>early-spring<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you live in an area prone to wildfires, cut your warm-season grass in the<strong> fall<\/strong>. Otherwise, wait until spring, according to Matthew McKernan, horticulture agent at K-State Research and Extension in Sedgwick County.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cLeaving the foliage provides additional insulation for the plant near the ground level,\u201d he says. \u201cWithout the insulation of the foliage, the sunlight on warm winter days may encourage plants to attempt to grow prior to the start of spring, and suffer additional freeze or frost damage to new growth.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>McKernan adds that many ornamental grasses add color, sound, and movement to the winter landscape, as well as provide habitat for beneficial insects, pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-step-2-prepare-the-area\">Step 2: Prepare the area<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Clear the area around the grass of decor, furniture, and other obstacles so that you can move easily. The last thing you want is to trip while operating your power hedge trimmer.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Park your wheelbarrow or lay down the tarp nearby for easy cleanup after cutting.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-step-3-determine-how-much-to-cut\">Step 3: Determine how much to cut<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Deciding where to cut will help you bundle the grass in the next step.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Cool-season grasses<\/strong> won\u2019t tolerate a severe trim, so prepare to cut back only <strong>two-thirds<\/strong> of the plant.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Warm-season grasses<\/strong> can handle a heavy-duty pruning. Cut to a height of <strong>6 inches<\/strong> for grasses that grow <strong>above 3 feet tall<\/strong>. Cut to a height of 3 inches for varieties that grow to <strong>3 feet tall or under<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Evergreen ornamental grasses<\/strong>, such as sedges or rushes, don\u2019t require the same cutback technique as cool- and warm-season grasses. So, you won\u2019t need to take measurements or bundle the grass in the next step.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:table {\"className\":\"is-style-stripes\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Type of grass<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>How short to cut it<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Example grasses<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cool-season<\/td><td>Two-thirds of the way (leave behind one-third)&nbsp;<\/td><td>Feather reed grass, blue oat grass, blue fescue<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Warm-season (3 feet tall or under)<\/td><td>3 inches above the ground<\/td><td>Little bluestem, pink muhly grass<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Warm-season (more than 3 feet tall)<\/td><td>6 inches above the ground<\/td><td>Big bluestem, maiden grass, switchgrass<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:table -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-step-4-bundle-the-grass\">Step 4: Bundle the grass<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Cutting ornamental grass without tying it back first is like making a smoothie without the blender lid\u2014the grass flies everywhere.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Wrap your cool- and warm-season grass with a bungee cord, twine, string, or other item just like you would tie hair back in a ponytail. If you\u2019re growing evergreens, skip this step.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Tie the grass a few inches above where you need to cut. Otherwise, the grass will unravel while cutting.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If your grass is tall or thick and bushy, bind the grass two or three times, with each section about a foot apart.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Tying back ornamental grass before cutting doesn\u2019t affect the plant\u2019s health, so skipping this step won\u2019t cause harm. McKernan says, \u201cIf there is a benefit to tying up ornamental grass right before cutting, it would be that it helps make spring cleanup easier.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-step-5-cut-back-the-grass\">Step 5: Cut back the grass<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":41488,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\",\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cutting-back-ornamental-grass-1.jpg\" alt=\"Woman in orange overalls and brown hat pruning tall dried ornamental grasses with garden shears during autumn maintenance in outdoor garden.\" class=\"wp-image-41488\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cutting Back Ornamental Grass. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/spring-garden-cleanup-woman-cutting-back-perennial-ornamental-grasses-gardener-pruning-panicum-with-shears\/1326961639\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">maryviolet<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Equipped with your work gloves and safety glasses, it\u2019s time to cut. You\u2019ll slice and prune straight through the bundled grass, creating a clean and even cut.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>How tall your grass is will determine which tool works best:&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Pruning shears or hedge shears (for grasses <strong>2 feet tall or under<\/strong>)<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Hedge shears or pruning saw (for grasses<strong> 2 to 5 feet tall<\/strong>)<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Power hedge trimmer (for grasses <strong>over 5 feet tall<\/strong>)<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>If you\u2019re growing evergreen sedges or rushes<\/strong>, the pruning technique is simple. Comb your gloved hands through the plant to collect dead material, or use your pruning shears to selectively prune.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>After cutting, place the grass bundles on the tarp or in the wheelbarrow.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-step-6-tidy-up\">Step 6: Tidy up<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Now that you\u2019ve cut the grass, let\u2019s figure out what to do with these bundles. You have a few options:&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Compost: <\/strong>Recycle your ornamental grass by adding it to your compost pile. Cut the blades into smaller pieces for faster decomposition. Don\u2019t unbundle the grass until after you\u2019ve done this, otherwise the grass will go flying.\u00a0<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Local yard waste disposal: <\/strong>Some counties offer curbside pickup for yard waste. Check your local laws for proper green trash disposal, as some areas prohibit landfill disposal.\u00a0<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Leave the bundles in the garden: <\/strong>\u201cSome people will leave those bundles of tied up grass in the corner of the landscape for a couple of months in order to allow pollinators and other insects that may have been overwintering in the stems on the grass to emerge,\u201d McKernan says.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>After you\u2019ve relocated the grass via the tarp or wheelbarrow, rake the area to remove any remaining foliage left behind. Otherwise, too many stray grass clippings may suffocate emerging plants.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-step-7-provide-aftercare\">Step 7: Provide aftercare<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":41486,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\",\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ornametal-grass.jpg\" alt=\"Tall golden ornamental grasses planted in a landscaped bed with neatly mulched soil and small round green shrubs in front.\" class=\"wp-image-41486\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ornamental grasses landscape. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/decorative-landscaping-with-tall-ornamental-grass-and-small-trimmed-shrubs-in-urban-flowerbed-neat-city-garden-design-with-golden-grass-and-green-bushes-summer-outdoor-scenery\/1673495674\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kristine<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>After cleaning the area, assess whether the plants need water or mulch, or need to be divided.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If the soil is dry, give the grass water, but don\u2019t oversaturate. Apply a light layer of mulch to help retain moisture and prevent weed growth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you notice dieback in the middle of the plant\u2019s base, this donut shape is a sign the grass needs dividing. Now is a good time to add this task to your calendar.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Divide ornamental grass while the plant is <em>actively growing<\/em>, but before it flowers. If you divide the plant while it\u2019s dormant, it may struggle to recover and take root.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Interested in adding new ornamental grasses to your landscape? Here are our recommendations:&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-drought-tolerant-ornamental-grasses\/\">Best Drought-Tolerant Ornamental Grasses<\/a><\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/ornamental-grasses-wisconsin\/\">The Best Ornamental Grasses for Wisconsin<\/a><\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/native-ornamental-grasses-south-carolina\/\">Native Ornamental Grasses for South Carolina Landscapes<\/a><\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/south-dakota-native-grasses\/\">South Dakota Native Grasses for Lawns and Landscapes<\/a><\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-faq-about-cutting-back-ornamental-grass\">FAQ about cutting back ornamental grass<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:yoast\/faq-block {\"questions\":[{\"id\":\"faq-question-1759119333763\",\"question\":[\"What are some common mistakes to avoid when trimming ornamental grasses?\"],\"answer\":[\"Some common mistakes when trimming ornamental grasses include:\",{\"type\":\"br\",\"props\":{\"children\":[]}},{\"type\":\"br\",\"props\":{\"children\":[]}},\"\u2022 Cutting at the wrong time\",{\"type\":\"br\",\"props\":{\"children\":[]}},\"\u2022 Using dull tools\",{\"type\":\"br\",\"props\":{\"children\":[]}},\"\u2022 Cutting cool-season grasses too low\",{\"type\":\"br\",\"props\":{\"children\":[]}},\"\u2022 Cutting without bundling the grass\"],\"jsonQuestion\":\"What are some common mistakes to avoid when trimming ornamental grasses?\",\"jsonAnswer\":\"Some common mistakes when trimming ornamental grasses include:\\u003cbr\/\\u003e\\u003cbr\/\\u003e\u2022 Cutting at the wrong time\\u003cbr\/\\u003e\u2022 Using dull tools\\u003cbr\/\\u003e\u2022 Cutting cool-season grasses too low\\u003cbr\/\\u003e\u2022 Cutting without bundling the grass\"},{\"id\":\"faq-question-1759119342372\",\"question\":[\"What\u2019s the best way to cut ornamental grasses that have tough, woody centers?\"],\"answer\":[\"A power hedge trimmer or pruning saw are \",{\"type\":\"a\",\"props\":{\"href\":\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-must-have-pruning-tools\/\",\"children\":[\"must-have pruning tools\"]}},\" when cutting down ornamental grasses that have tough, woody centers.\u00a0\u00a0\"],\"jsonQuestion\":\"What\u2019s the best way to cut ornamental grasses that have tough, woody centers?\",\"jsonAnswer\":\"A power hedge trimmer or pruning saw are \\u003ca href=\\u0022https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-must-have-pruning-tools\/\\u0022\\u003emust-have pruning tools\\u003c\/a\\u003e when cutting down ornamental grasses that have tough, woody centers.\u00a0\u00a0\"},{\"id\":\"faq-question-1759119346839\",\"question\":[\"How do I cut ornamental grasses growing in tight spaces?\"],\"answer\":[\"Stick to smaller tools when pruning ornamental grasses in tight spaces, such as pruning shears. Avoid using large tools, as they may injure surrounding plants.\u00a0\"],\"jsonQuestion\":\"How do I cut ornamental grasses growing in tight spaces?\",\"jsonAnswer\":\"Stick to smaller tools when pruning ornamental grasses in tight spaces, such as pruning shears. Avoid using large tools, as they may injure surrounding plants.\u00a0\"}]} -->\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1759119333763\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are some common mistakes to avoid when trimming ornamental grasses?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Some common mistakes when trimming ornamental grasses include:<br\/><br\/>\u2022 Cutting at the wrong time<br\/>\u2022 Using dull tools<br\/>\u2022 Cutting cool-season grasses too low<br\/>\u2022 Cutting without bundling the grass<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1759119342372\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What\u2019s the best way to cut ornamental grasses that have tough, woody centers?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A power hedge trimmer or pruning saw are <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-must-have-pruning-tools\/\">must-have pruning tools<\/a> when cutting down ornamental grasses that have tough, woody centers.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1759119346839\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do I cut ornamental grasses growing in tight spaces?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Stick to smaller tools when pruning ornamental grasses in tight spaces, such as pruning shears. Avoid using large tools, as they may injure surrounding plants.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:yoast\/faq-block -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-hire-a-landscape-pro\">Hire a landscape pro<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Between pruning your ornamental grasses, mulching your garden beds, and tending to your turfgrass, it\u2019s hard to find time for that new landscape project you\u2019ve been dreaming about.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Give yourself more time this spring and hire a lawn care pro through Lawn Love to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/lawn-mowing\">mow<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/lawn-fertilization\">fertilize<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/weed-control\">remove weeds<\/a> in the yard.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Main Image: Person cutting back ornamental grass. Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/cutting-back-ornamental-grasses-in-spring-garden-gardener-pruning-pennisetum-taking-care-of-fountain-grass\/752526526\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">maryviolet<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[298],"tags":[222],"class_list":["post-41477","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cutting-back-ornamental-grass.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Jane Purnell","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/jane-purnell\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41477","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41477"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41477\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41530,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41477\/revisions\/41530"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41479"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41477"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41477"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41477"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}