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Trimming of large grasses

Posted by katskan41 (My Page) on
Sat, Apr 4, 09 at 12:31

Hi all. We have some very large ornamental grasses, not sure what species. It grows very tall (10 feet) and has dense and thick, bamboo-like stalks.

Any suggestions on the best way to cut these down? I've used pruners but that is a lot of work. Was thinking of using a machete or similar tool.

Thanks.

Dave


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RE: Trimming of large grasses

  • Posted by donn_ 7a, GSB, LI, NY (My Page) on
    Sat, Apr 4, 09 at 12:54

Rent a good gasoline powered hedge trimmer. It's like a chain saw motor with a hedge trimmer blade. A good quality (Echo) 20-24" trimmer will make fast work of any grass, but unless you have lots of grasses and hedges to trim, you probably can't justify the $300+ cost of purchase.

There are other, multi-use tools which can include a trimmer blade, which may be easier to justify owning, as you can use them for more than one task.


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RE: Trimming of large grasses

I've been able to cut my large miscanthus clumps with an electric hedge trimmer. I just work around the outer edge, removing canes as I cut toward the center. Sharp blade is key...and keep the cord out of the way!

Here is a link that might be useful: Cutting Back Ornamental Grasses


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RE: Trimming of large grasses

I'd like to thank both donn and grass guy for their suggestions. My wife and I were able to cut down our grasses with an electric hedge trimmer. This worked very well. We used a bungee cord to tie up the grasses and hold them together then used the trimmer at the base. Took some time to cut down the largest grasses but it worked!

Thanks again for the great idea.


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RE: Trimming of large grasses

Now that you've cut them back, be sure to clean the crown of debris that can cause rot. Rake through with a stiff metal rake.

Sounds like you managed to avoid the cord while trimming...I won't go into why I mention that...:)


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RE: Trimming of large grasses

I know your done with this task, but.........I use my electic chain saw on them, the bungee cord works really good to keep them in a nice thigt bunch doesn't it?


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