# Can You Cut Ornamental Grasses in the Fall?
An ornamental grass exists for nearly every landscape application. Small, tidy clumps of fescue make neat borders, while the tall spires of plume grass add towering height. The dried blades continue to add interest through frosty winter into spring, but you may trim grasses in the fall.
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Annual Grasses
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Remove or cut down annual grasses, like purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) in the fall if the plant is unsightly. Many annual grasses remain upright and attractive throughout the winter, however. Compost healthy material.
Perennial Grasses
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The inflorescences remain on most ornamental grasses through the winter. You may cut down perennial grasses in the fall. Many gardeners, however, appreciate the frosted inflorescences and prefer to wait until spring. Use hedge trimmers to make a clean, straight cut across the clump, preferably near ground level and before new growth appears. Many grasses have deceptively sharp-edged blades; a good pair of gloves and long sleeves will protect you from the small, irritating cuts.
After Pruning
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Lightly fertilize the grass in the spring to help the plant recover after trimming. The University of Rhode Island Extension recommends a 10-10-10 fertilizer and an application rate of 1 lb. per 100 square feet. Use a light hand when fertilizing; too much fertilizer results in floppy or diseased growth.
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- Can Ornamental Grass Choke Bushes?
- Can You Cut Fescue in the Winter?
- How to Shred Ornamental Grasses
- Can You Cut Grass in Cold Weather?
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- Ornamental Grasses of the Gulf Coast
- Popular Ornamental Grasses
- Giant Ornamental Grasses
- Ornamental Grasses in the State of Washington
- Can You Plant Leeks in the Fall?
- Can You Cut Ornamental Grasses in the Fall?
