Ornamental grasses provide great visual interest in the garden, but they need proper trimming and care to keep them looking their best. Knowing when to cut back ornamental grasses is central to maintaining healthy and attractive plants.


Why Not Cut Them Back in the Fall?

Many ornamental grasses that look attractive during the summer begin to appear shabby and worn by the fall, making it tempting to cut them back for a cleaner look. However, fall is not the season to cut back grasses. The time for trimming is late winter or early spring. Leaving grasses intact over winter serves two purposes. It:

  • Provides visual interest. Dried foliage provides texture and movement in the garden when little else grows. Grasses sway and dance in the wind, adding beauty on gloomy winter days.
  • Insulates the plant crown. Foliage protects the crown and roots from hard freezes and heavy rain that can cause rot. The old top growth is a blanket, moderating the effects of cold temperatures.

Because winters are cold and wet, leaving grass uncut entering winter helps them survive the cold. Overgrowth insulates the crown and roots.

In warmer areas, the ‌insulation from excess growth is less critical. Cutting grasses in the fall tidies the landscape, but most gardeners prefer leaving them for winter.


Timing Guidelines by Region

When to cut ornamental grasses depends partly on your USDA Hardiness Zone. Here are some general tips.

Residents in cool areas with especially cold winters, such as Zones 3, 4, 5, and 6, should wait to cut ornamental grasses back until late winter or early spring. The ideal timing is late February to mid-March before new growth emerges. 

However, there are exceptions. In Zone 5 and in warmer zones, I recommend cutting back tender varieties like Miscanthus in the fall once the foliage completely browns. These types of grass may not be winter-hardy in your climate, so cutting back in the fall avoids potential dieback or rotting of the crowns. Remove any damaged growth in early spring to tidy the plant’s appearance.

Warm regions in Zones 7, 8, and 9 have more flexibility in when to cut ornamental grasses. Anytime from mid-fall to late winter works. For people wanting a tidy winter landscape, cut grass back about four to six weeks after the foliage turns yellow or brown in the autumn. For those preferring winter, delay cutting back until late February or March. Dormant grasses will add texture and movement to beds and borders during the darker months.

In the hottest climates like Zone 9 and above, gardeners can cut grasses back anytime after they fade and go dormant in late fall or winter. Cutting back earlier in this zone may stimulate new growth to emerge a few weeks sooner in the spring.

Today’s Homeowner Tips

It’s best not to trim grasses while any green foliage remains. Wait until plants are completely dried and brown to avoid accidentally removing healthy tissue.

When to Cut Back Specific Grasses

Below are suggested cutting-back times for several popular ornamental grass varieties:

(pink muhly grass): Cut back in early spring once new growth resumes. Use clean, sterilized tools to prevent the spread of any disease.

(switch grass): Cut back in early spring, leaving 6 inches of stubble. Disinfect tools after trimming.

(fountain grass): Trim anytime between early fall and spring in Zone 7 or warmer. Cut back in the early spring in colder zones

(feather reed grass): Cut back in late winter before new growth emerges.

(maiden grass): Cut back tender types in fall after frost. For Zone 5 or colder, cut back dead foliage in the spring.


Maintaining Grasses

Here are seven tips for keeping ornamental grasses looking their best:

  1. Cut back old foliage at the right time. That time is late winter/early spring for most.
  2. Divide when clumps get dense, usually every two to four years. Replant divisions in spring or fall.
  3. Apply slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage new growth. Avoid direct contact with fertilizer on the crown.
  4. Water during dry periods until established. Mature plants are the most drought-tolerant.
  5. To control spread, prune back excess growth as needed in late spring.
  6. Cut back any frost-damaged or dead foliage in the spring.
  7. Remove weeds and debris at the base to improve airflow.

Proper maintenance saves having to replace these low-care perennials later. Well-cared-for grasses can provide interest in the landscape for five years or more.


Is Fall Cutting Back Harmful?

Cutting ornamental grasses in the fall is not necessarily harmful. It may promote earlier spring growth and give a tidy winter landscape in warmer areas.

However, most gardeners wait until late winter or early spring to trim back because they prefer the protection for plant crowns that dormant foliage provides. That’s especially important for varieties that are less hardy for your zone.

Use sharp tools to prevent crown damage and cut grasses back as needed to control size. But time the trimming right for your climate to ensure healthy and beautiful grass year after year. Learn more about the grass growing timeline and best organic care practices.


FAQs About Cutting Back Grasses

Does cutting back increase spreading?

Regular division every few years keeps grasses spreading vigorously. Cutting back alone does not accelerate spread but encourages healthy new growth.


Should you cut back before or after winter?

The ideal time is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. But unless done excessively, fall cutting is fine in warmer areas. Leave some stems for winter interest.


When to cut back grasses in Texas?

Cut back grasses in Texas and other warmer areas between early fall and late winter. Fall or early winter cutting may promote earlier spring green-up. Late-winter cutting preserves winter foliage.


How much should you cut back grasses?

Cut foliage back to 4 to 6 inches above the ground, typically. Removing too much risks damaging the crown. Leave some full-height outer stems for viewing interest and to catch snow.


What happens if grasses aren't cut back regularly?

Lack of division and cutting back causes grasses to thin out and die in the center. Uncut grasses may also self-seed invasively. Routine division and pruning keep clumps vigorous and full.


Editorial Contributors
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Jonathon Jachura

Contributor

Jonathon Jachura is a two-time homeowner with hands-on experience with HVAC, gutters, plumbing, lawn care, pest control, and other aspects of owning a home. He is passionate about home maintenance and finding the best services. His main goal is to educate others with crisp, concise descriptions that any homeowner can use. Jon uses his strong technical background to create engaging, easy-to-read, and informative guides. He does most of his home and lawn projects himself but hires professional companies for the “big things.” He knows what goes into finding the best service providers and contractors. Jon studied mechanical engineering at Purdue University in Indiana and worked in the HVAC industry for 12 years. Between his various home improvement projects, he enjoys the outdoors, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with his family.

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Sabrina Lopez

Editor

Sabrina Lopez is a senior editor for Today’s Homeowner with over 7 years of writing and editing experience in digital media. She has reviewed content across categories that matter to homeowners, including HVAC services, home renovations, lawn and garden care, products for the home, and insurance services. When she’s not reviewing articles to make sure they are helpful, accessible, and engaging for homeowners like herself, Sabrina enjoys spending time with her family and their two parrots.

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