Do you cut tall grasses down in fall or spring?

[Debbie D]

Anyone know if you're supposed to cut tall grasses like zebra grass down in the fall? Mine grew to about 6 feet this year, and I have a feeling that they're going to get messy once snow comes. But I don't want to interfere with anything in the grasses if they're supposed to be tall over the winter.

Any info would be appreciated...

[SandyC]

I haven't touched mine thinking they should be left alone. Now you have me wondering too. lol

[mrsD]

Here is an article that may help:

http://www.flower-gardening-made-easy.com/Ornamental-grasses.html

[Debbie D]

Thanks-that was a very informative article. This past spring, I decided to burn the dead stalks that were left from last year, just the way our neighbor with a weed yard---ahem, I mean prairie field--does. While I did burn down the dead stalks, I also burned the new spring tips...they looked kind of funny:rolleyes:

[ewizabeth]

I leave my plants over the winter so the birds can eat the seeds when it gets cold. It doesn't look quite as nice but I figure more of the plant gets recycled naturally that way. And it helps the wildlife too. :) I do a big clean up in the spring when there are other food sources available to them.

[braingonebad]

I leave my plants over the winter so the birds can eat the seeds when it gets cold. It doesn't look quite as nice but I figure more of the plant gets recycled naturally that way. And it helps the wildlife too. :) I do a big clean up in the spring when there are other food sources available to them.

Same with me. I live by the adage, *He who rakes last, rakes least*. And there is somewhat less to get rid of in spring than fall. I leave ALL my plants up.

Birds have adjusted to eating the seeds off almost every plant, and it's nice to watch when that's all that's going on out there in the snow.

And think of it this way too, that no matter HOW well I clean up in winter, it's a disaster come spring. Why do it all 2 times? Lazy gardening by Brain.

:D