Cutting Frequency

• Cut back clumps of maidengrass annually in late winter or very early spring before the new green glades begin to emerge from the roots. While maidengrass doesn't need to be cut back to grow year after year, the removal of the winter-killed, dead leaves and seed plum remnants tidies the plant and increases its subsequent growth and vigor. New leaves emerge unimpeded by debris and exposed to air and light to form a uniform, attractive clump of fresh foliage.
  
  

Regional Considerations

• Gardeners across a large expanse of the U.S. grow the many cultivars of maidengrass. Winter cold and the start of new growth varies across the many climates and geographies. In the southern U.S., where the winters are mild, maidengrass needs to be cut back between January to mid-February. Farther north, the new growth doesn't emerge until late April, so cut back the grass clumps in March or early April.
  
  

Procedure

• Wear gloves and long shirt sleeves to protect your arms and hands from the stiff, sharp leaf blades and sheaths in the maidengrass clump. Tie up the clump with twine so you have a better view of the stems and leaves to be cut. A hand pruners or loppers works well. Cut back the plant to short stubs 2 to 10 inches tall. The lower the better, but sometimes the density of the dead stems and leaves, your strength and the sharpness of your pruning blades dictates exactly how low you can effectively cut down the maidengrass. Some gardeners choose to burn the dead foliage off, but it is dangerous as wind and nearby dry garden debris can cause the fire to spread.
  
  

Optional Fall Pruning

• Usually gardeners allow the dried leaves and seed heads of maidengrass to remain in the landscape over the winter. The beige and silver colors as well as the sound of the wind-rustled tissues adds sensory interest across the landscape. However, it's also acceptable to cut back the dead stems and leaves of maidengrass in fall or early winter to make the landscape look clean and tidy. Follow the same procedure, cutting back as low as possible. Fall-pruned clumps do not further maintenance in late winter.