Thanks for your post. Your empirical observations go beyond the books. Conclusion: cutting back late retards spring growth. I had wondered about that.

Cutting back the grasses early versus late can have a benefit to your grasses. This allows thje plant to warm up sooner and possibly start growing a week or so earlier than normal.

Waiting until the right time to cut back whether it be " .. I've always cut my grasses at this time of year" or if you follow a book and wait until that certain week or time, can have the reverse effect then what I stated earlier.

The warming of the ground and the plant crown are part of the growing cycle for grasses.

But like any plant and not being able to control Mother Nature, plants sprouting too soon can cause your plants to suffer from late spring freeze or cold spell.

As an ornamental grass grower I've tried most all avenues of cutting back and have had success w/ each and everyone and have had failures as well.

Jkae