Pruning Native Grasses

April is Native Plant Month, and Southern Gardening is celebrating at Camp Creek Native Plants in New Albany, MS! To kick off the celebration, let’s go over how to properly prune native plants. Warm-season grasses, such as Gulf Muhly and Switchgrass, begin growing in late spring and summer, making late winter to early spring the ideal time to cut them back. For this small clump of grass, I’m using sharp pruning shears and scissors, but for larger clumps, hedge trimmers or a string trimmer work well. Most grasses should be cut back to 4–8 inches above the ground to protect the plant’s crown. If the grass is particularly thick, trim it in sections for easier handling. Once pruning is complete, use your hands to gently remove dead debris and loose, dried stems. This helps improve air circulation and allows sunlight to reach the base, encouraging healthy new growth. As an added benefit, dried native grass clippings—especially the airy seed heads of Gulf Muhly or the textured stems of Switchgrass—can be repurposed in dried floral arrangements or seasonal décor, bringing a natural touch indoors. Proper pruning keeps native grasses looking their best and thriving in the landscape. I'm Eddie Smith, and I look forward to seeing you next time on Southern Gardening!