When it comes to cutting down ornamental grasses, the decision largely depends on personal preference, as both fall and spring have their benefits. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
Cutting in Fall:
Aesthetic appeal: Taller grasses can become floppy with the weight of snow. Often when the wind blows, they will begin to flop around.
Clean-up: Cutting grasses in the fall means you're done with garden cleanup early, allowing you to enjoy a tidier landscape through the winter.
Cutting in Spring:
New growth: Waiting until spring allows the grass to protect its base and crown through the winter, helping it rebound with fresh growth as the weather warms up. Cutting it in early spring, just before new growth begins, helps prevent any damage to the plant.
Aesthetic appeal: Some people prefer leaving ornamental grasses standing throughout the winter because they add texture, movement, and interest to the garden, especially when frosted or covered with snow.
Wildlife benefits: Standing grasses provide shelter and seeds for birds, so leaving them up can be beneficial for wildlife during the colder months.
Easier clean-up: In the spring, the old, dried foliage is often easier to cut and remove as it’s more brittle and will come off in larger pieces.
In short, the timing of when to cut ornamental grasses is ultimately a matter of how you prefer your garden to look and whether you’d like to provide extra winter interest and wildlife habitat. Both methods are horticulturally correct!
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