It's Time to Cut Back Ornamental Grasses

Back in the spring and early summer of 2015 I did a series of short garden videos for The Denver Post. They are still applicable today. Below is one I did on cutting back ornamental grasses. Early April is a great time to get this chore completed and off the early spring chore list.

I did not mention in the video that if you notice die back in the middle of the ornamental grass, it's time to divide the clump. The growth in the middle will not grow back. 

You can divide it a couple of ways. Remove by digging the entire clump from the ground, then make shovel cuts down and into the plant to make smaller clumps. Replant a clump in the same area if you like where it's growing. Also, you can plant the extra clumps in other areas of the garden or share them with with friends and family. Just let them know you have some freebies and they'll come right over!

An older, mature, large clump of grass can be difficult when digging out the entire clump. Moist soil (not too wet) can make the job somewhat easier or ask someone for help who may have a bit more muscle and back power to lend.

Another way to divide is to dig down and remove smaller clumps one at a time. This method doesn't require first digging out the entire clump of grass. Leaving one clump in place will suffice in replacing the died out clump - it will grow and fill the space in no time. Again, share extra clumps or re-plant.