AH – Ornamental Grasses – Big – tall, short – small, spring through fall, we love them all. Then, there is the winter, and what about our grasses? How do we feel about ornamental grasses in the winter?
I know Ornamental grasses are a love hate relationship. I talk to people who speak of their grasses as their first-born and others; their faces curl in disgust at the mere mentioning of them! What an extreme. So, I suppose we All do not love them All, therefore, the following is for those who do.
Fall came and went so quickly, many of us did not have time to cut our ornamental grasses back. Though, some of us prefer to leave them up for winter interest, despite the grumbling of the neighbors on account of our wonderful ornamental grasses shedding on a brisk winters day like a Himalayan kitty in the midst of summer, the dried leaves floating through the neighborhood like pieces of tumbleweed across the pristine snow.
You do not want your neighbors upset because your beautiful ornamental grasses have canvassed their front yard in a tribute to the demise of the first little piggy’s house, do you?
If you were in the group of good intentions but thought you had run out of time, you’re in luck. You are not out of time until the new growth starts to pop through in the spring. You will want to cut taller grasses back to about 6-10” and the smaller ones can be trimmed back to 3-5”. Before trimming, wrap your grass as tightly as possible with a biodegradable twine in the center and tie securely. Depending on the size of the grass you may want to add twine above and below the first piece. Then use your shears and cut the grass off at the bottom. Most city ordinance will ask you to bundle them in 3 foot pieces and set them on the tree lawn for pick up. Your grass is bundled and now you only need to cut the bundles back to three-foot sections. You will want to check with your local municipality for guidance about removal in your area.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your twine, get your shears and get to cutting.
