Spring Pruning Guide for Macho Ferns in Zone 8

A gardener in Zone 8 asked whether macho ferns planted in the ground should be pruned to ground level each spring.

Pruning Advice

Only remove fronds that show visible frost damage, and only after the last freeze has passed. In mild winters, you may prune very little; in harsh ones, nearly all fronds may need removal.

Technique

Use clean, sharp shears. Cut each damaged frond as close to the base as possible with a quick, clean snip.