Splitting Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grass is beautiful and it is easy to maintain in almost any landscape. With time, ornamental grass can begin to thin out in the center. When this happens, it is best to split the grass. You can replant portions of it throughout your yard, or give the splittings to your neighbors and friends - just like Nana does.

Here is what I recommend:

1. Shear off last year's growth so that the plant stands 4 to 5 inches tall. It is best to do this in early spring before the growing season takes off.
   
2. Decide how many plants you will be splitting the grass into.
   
3. Split the grass by angling the spade directly down into the clump. Decide on the size you want the new grass to be and then make another cut into the grass.
   
4. Lift the new portion of the grass out and replant it in the new location.
   
5. Place at least three inches of mulch around the new transplant and make sure to give it a heavy watering to allow it to begin to root.
   
   

   • If the grass has a large bare spot in the center, lift the entire grass out, remove the middle, and replant a clump where the barren center once was.
     • Ornamental grass grows very well in all types of soil.
   • Do not shear back the ornamental grass until early spring.

HOPES THIS HELPS ROSE!