Ornamental grasses are popular perennial plants valued for their texture, movement, and seasonal interest. These grasses grow in a dense, clumping habit and develop a substantial root mass as they mature. Removal is usually necessary because the clump has outgrown its space, its center has begun to die out, or the landscape design is changing. Extracting the entire root ball requires careful preparation and specific mechanical techniques due to the toughness of the plant’s woody crown and dense fibrous root structure.
Essential Preparation Before Digging
The most advantageous time to remove ornamental grass is during its dormant season, typically late winter or early spring before new shoots emerge. Removal before the plant breaks dormancy minimizes stress if relocation is the goal, and makes the task physically easier since the foliage is dry and less messy. This timing also means the plant’s energy reserves are concentrated in the crown, which is the focus of the removal effort.
Before digging begins, the foliage must be cut back severely to expose the crown and make the root ball accessible. For most varieties, cutting the culms down to four to six inches above the ground is sufficient. Tying the dry stalks into a secure bundle with twine or a bungee cord before cutting simplifies cleanup, allowing the entire mass to be lifted in one piece.
Gathering the correct tools prevents unnecessary frustration once the physical labor starts. A long-handled, pointed shovel is necessary for slicing through peripheral roots, while a digging fork is useful for loosening soil around the crown’s edges. For very large, old clumps, heavy-duty tools like a bowsaw, a small axe, or a reciprocating saw may be required to cut through the woody, central crown.
A final preparatory step is to hydrate the soil thoroughly a day or two before the planned removal. Digging in dry, compacted soil is significantly more difficult; soaking the area softens the ground, allowing the shovel blade to penetrate more easily and reducing the effort needed to slice through roots. The soil should be moist, not muddy, to ensure good leverage and footing during excavation.
Techniques for Excavating Stubborn Root Balls
The first action is to establish a clear perimeter around the root ball, which is typically wider than the visible foliage clump. Begin by pushing the shovel vertically into the soil in a circle six to twelve inches outside the crown’s edge, severing the outer feeder roots. This initial cut defines the size of the root ball to be lifted and makes subsequent trenching easier.
Next, a trench must be dug around the entire perimeter, working systematically to create space for leverage and expose the root ball’s sides. Digging 12 to 18 inches deep is usually adequate to get beneath the bulk of the dense root mass. The shovel should be angled slightly inward toward the center of the crown as you dig, creating a tapered trench that facilitates lifting.
Once the trench is established, use leverage to break the remaining anchor roots and lift the clump. A sturdy digging fork or heavy steel landscape bar can be inserted beneath the root ball, using the surrounding ground as a fulcrum to rock and pry the mass loose. Applying steady, repeated pressure from multiple points will gradually break the final, thick taproots that resist initial prying.
If the clump is old and the center has become a hard, woody mass, the entire root ball may be too heavy or dense to lift intact. In this scenario, it is more efficient to divide the root ball in situ before removal. Using a sharp spade, axe, or bowsaw, cut the crown into two or four manageable wedge-shaped sections while it is still partially anchored. This method significantly reduces the size and weight of each piece, making the final prying and lifting simpler.
When the pieces are small enough to handle, use a wheelbarrow or durable tarp to lift and move the heavy root balls. An established root ball can weigh 50 pounds or more, so using mechanical assistance or a second person for lifting is a good safety precaution. Ensure all parts of the crown are removed, as any remaining piece may attempt to regrow.
Managing the Removed Grass and Soil Restoration
Once the root ball is excavated, the next step is managing the disposal of the dense plant material. The large, woody clumps are generally not suitable for typical home composting because they take a very long time to break down. Most municipal yard waste programs accept the bundled foliage, but the heavy root clumps often must be disposed of as general refuse or at a specific transfer station, as they can damage wood chippers.
If the purpose of the excavation was to relocate the plant or propagate new ones, the removed root ball can be divided further. Use a sharp tool to slice the clump into smaller sections, ensuring each new piece has a portion of the crown and an adequate network of healthy roots. These divisions should be replanted immediately to prevent the exposed root system from drying out, which can quickly compromise the plant’s viability.
After the entire clump is removed, the resulting hole needs to be addressed to prepare the area for new planting or turf. The void should be filled with fresh, high-quality topsoil, amended with compost or other organic matter to improve its structure and nutrient content. Tamping the soil lightly as the hole is filled helps prevent future settling and ensures a level surface.
Monitor the area for several weeks following removal for any signs of regrowth. Even small root fragments or pieces of the crown left behind can sprout new foliage, especially if the grass is a vigorous grower. If new shoots appear, they should be dug out or treated promptly to ensure the complete removal of the original plant.