Cutting Back Ornamental Grasses in Winter

Cut pampas grass to 12–24″ in Jan–early March. Use a rope to cinch the clump, then saw (carpenter's saw, electric trimmer, or chainsaw). Maiden and fountain grasses: cut to 10″, removing dead centers. Wear long sleeves, gloves, and eye protection—blades are razor-sharp.

maiden grass needing a cut back in winter

rounding the top of this maiden grass clump means the center will
eventually die

this pampas grass wasn’t pruned last year and then was pruned too high this year, leaving a hollow center