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Pruning guide

How to prune common tussock grass

Best time
Late winter to early spring, before new growth flushes
How often
Annually, or as needed when dead material accumulates
Technique
Use gloved hands or a wide-toothed comb to pull out dead brown leaves from the tussock, or lightly trim the outer dead fronds with shears. Avoid cutting the whole clump hard back — it dislikes severe cutting.

More common tussock grass care

Pruning common tussock grass — FAQ

When should I prune common tussock grass?

Late winter to early spring, before new growth flushes. Use gloved hands or a wide-toothed comb to pull out dead brown leaves from the tussock, or lightly trim the outer dead fronds with shears. Avoid cutting the whole clump hard back — it dislikes severe cutting.

How often does common tussock grass need pruning?

Annually, or as needed when dead material accumulates. Common Tussock Grass (Poa labillardieri) needs minimal pruning. An annual tidy-up in late winter or early spring — cutting or combing out dead, brown foliage from the tussock — keeps it looking fresh and encourages clean new growth. Avoid cutting into living green growth; just remove the dead material.

How do you prune common tussock grass?

Use gloved hands or a wide-toothed comb to pull out dead brown leaves from the tussock, or lightly trim the outer dead fronds with shears. Avoid cutting the whole clump hard back — it dislikes severe cutting.