How do you prune pampas grass?

Pampas grass is a fast-growing plant that can reach a height of 8 feet in a single season. Prune it before the beginning of the growing season, and divide it every two to three years to allow new growth.

1. Dress appropriately

   Wear long sleeves and gloves when pruning the grass, as it has sharp spines.

2. Choose your tool

   Lopping shears, hedge trimmers or an electric chainsaw all work to trim pampas grass, although the electric chainsaw is easiest to use and provides the best results, according to Columbia County News-Times. The grass, however, is sometimes too dense for electric hedge trimmers without forcing the blades through the growth.

3. Trim the grass

   Using your tool of choice, trim the stalks to approximately 1 foot. Unless you prune annually, it gets so dense it becomes hard to work.

4. Decide about burning

   Some owners of these plants like to burn the stubble after trimming to remove excess dead material, according to Columbia County News-Times. Gardening expert Walter Reeves, on the other hand, recommends trimming without burning.

5. Prune plumes for indoor arrangements

   Use the plume in indoor floral arrangements. Harvest them soon after they bloom but before they start to shed. Use the fresh cut plumes in live arrangements. Allow them to dry, and then spray them with hair spray in dried arrangements.