Give your ornamental grasses a haircut

Cut back ornamental grasses at least once a year, ideally twice a year in wildfire regions. Instead of allowing dead grasses to remain for their aesthetic appeal, remove this accumulation in February and early March just as they begin to sprout new shoots. (and cut back at the end of the growing season at the end of summer to early Fall, if dead grass has accumulated). Not only will it enhance the appearance of the grass, but new growth can sprout easily and it reduces the dead grass that is more flammable.

To trim, use sharp shears with a spring-loaded handle to cut in clumps held by the other hand. You will quickly trim the grass to a low mound.

Spring-loaded sheers

Grab a hand full of grass with one hand, and with the other use the sheers to cut 4"-6" from the ground to create a mound.

Note that for those of us in wildfire regions, ornamental grasses should be planted far away from home and structures, ideally in zone 2 over 30 feet away.