If you're talking about warm season grasses which have gone dormant, yes, you can cut them back in the fall. Depending on variety, however, I'd suggest just cutting them back to a foot or so, and allowing some fall leaves to fill in between the stalks, over the crown. You're in a cold zone, and some grasses like a little protection in winter. In late winter, clear out the accumulated leaves, and when the grasses break dormancy, cut the stalks back the rest of the way.

I am new to the ornamental grass. I planted my first porcupine grass this past spring. If I cut it back will it grow back to 5 or 6 feet high?

whoosta, yes it will.

dereks
O.K. but do I NEED to cut back. If I don't cut back what will happen and will the winter snow hurt it?

Most people leave their grasses standing until spring. Snow won't hurt anything. In fact, a light snow is beautiful over the grass. A heavy snow will knock it over but it won't hurt it. Cut it back in spring and new growth will soon fill in.

Like Derek said snow won't bother the grass at all. I have several very innteresting pictures taken of snow covered grasses and the winter scene is totally awesome.

Many people don't like the untidy mess that dormant or dead grass fronds cause around the yard or in the garden beds but HEY ! that's what nature does.

maybe in the warmer climates w/o snow I might want a cleaner or neater appearance but in the area I live the snow is really a sight changing adventure.

Can't wait for the snow to start falling, if seems we get less every year butr even a little is still worth the method of cutting grasses back in the spring.

Jake

Many grasses are very attractive in the winter months and in the snow, much better than dirt. This autumn was very wet where I live, as well as early freezes, so the grass plants look sloppier than normal. Cut back any plants that bug you, you don't have to cut them all the way until spring, just what is bad