How Low Should I Burn Pampas Grass?

Pampas grass clumps become tall, fibrous and coarse in texture.

Smaller ornamental grasses are easily cut back with pruners or shears in late winter to allow for lush spring regrowth. Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is so large and dense with stiff and coarse stems that cutting back is labor-intensive. Use a machete, chainsaw or controlled fire to reduce the clump.

Time Frame

Based on your region's climate, plan on cutting back or burning pampas grass in mid to late winter. Do it early enough so there are no sprouts of new growth already coming up from the roots through the dried thatch in the grass clump.

Size

Burn the dried grass stems and sheaths back to height between 6 and 12 inches. You may find that the pampas grass doesn't burn evenly or perfectly. The high silica content in this grass, especially when moisture remains in stem bases, retards burning.

Warning

Pampas grass clumps become quite large. Think twice about starting a fire on your property since the flames on a large grass clump will tower above the plant and potentially scald nearby plants or even catch lawn, debris or mulch on fire. Cut back upper foliage so the fire doesn't have as much fuel to grow large and hot.

References

• United States Geological Survey Biological Resources Division; Pampas Grass; Charles Chimera, et al.; March 1999
• Arkansas Cooperative Extension Home and Garden: Perennials -- Pampas Grass