- Step 1: Cut back the grass<\/a><\/li>
- Step 2: Soften the soil<\/a><\/li>
- Step 3: Dig up the clump<\/a><\/li>
- Step 4: Split the roots<\/a><\/li>
- Step 5: Replant<\/a><\/li>
- Step 6: Water\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- Step 7: Mulch<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ about how to divide ornamental grass<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Step 1: Cut back the grass<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Gardener](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cut-back-ornamental-grass.jpg\")
Cut back ornamental grass in the spring. Photo Credit: maryviolet<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> Before you start dividing and digging holes in your garden, cut back the grass. Spring is the best time to cut back ornamental grass<\/a>, before <\/em>new growth appears and after the last frost. <\/p>
Check out our guide on How to Cut Back Ornamental Grasses<\/a> to ensure easy spring cleanup and proper cutting height. <\/p>
Some gardeners prefer to divide their ornamental grass the same day they cut back (it\u2019s a convenient way to feed two birds with one scone). <\/p>
However, wait to divide until new growth is just emerging in spring, recommends Aaron Steil, Consumer Horticulture Extension specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. <\/p>
\u201cSome ornamental grasses develop a dead center as they age,\u201d Steil says. \u201cWaiting until the foliage begins to emerge allows you to see and remove this dead area when splitting the clump into pieces.\u201d<\/p>
Step 2: Soften the soil<\/span><\/h2>
Water the soil one to two days before you divide. This will help to loosen any dry soil, making division significantly easier. <\/p>
Step 3: Dig up the clump<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Gardener](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/divide-prnamental-grass-1.jpg\")
Using a shovel to dig up a clump of ornamental grass to divide it. Photo Credit: \u0421\u0432\u0435\u0442\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0430 \u041c\u0438\u0449\u0435\u043d\u043a\u043e<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> The grass is cut and the soil is prepped. Time to divide.\u00a0<\/p>
How you dig up the clump depends on size and preference. If it\u2019s a large clump that can be divided into multiple pieces, you may want to dig up small sections at a time. Digging up the whole clump may be difficult to manage. <\/p>
If it\u2019s a small clump, you can slice the clump in half with a shovel and remove one half from the soil, or you can dig up the entire clump if you prefer. <\/p>
When removing parts or all of the clump from the ground, slice through the soil 6 to 8 inches deep<\/strong> so that you get the roots. If you dig up the clump without the roots, the divided pieces will struggle to establish in their new location. <\/p>
Step 4: Split the roots<\/span><\/h2>
\u201cThe root systems of ornamental grasses can be dense and fibrous,\u201d says Steil. \u201cIf a sharp spade doesn\u2019t seem to cut it, try a reciprocating saw. These power tools can make quick work of this tough job.\u201d<\/p>
Slice the root ball into the desired amount of pieces you would like to propagate, removing dead portions of the plant as you go. If the clump is particularly large, you might find yourself with as many as eight new pieces to replant. <\/p>
Step 5: Replant<\/span><\/h2>
In the spots where you want to replant the clumps, dig holes as deep as the root ball. Set each divided plant into its hole, then backfill with the soil you removed, stopping at the base of the plant. Be careful not to mound the soil too high over the crown, since that can smother growth.<\/p>
- Step 2: Soften the soil<\/a><\/li>