Ornamental grasses, such as Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana) or Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis), offer significant texture and vertical interest to a landscape. However, their dense growth makes removal a challenging, labor-intensive process. Established clumps form a massive, interwoven root system, known as a root crown or root ball, which is fibrous and resistant to common digging tools. Successful extraction requires a systematic approach that respects the plant’s robust structure and addresses its capacity for regrowth.
Essential Preparation and Equipment
Before beginning physical removal, gathering the correct tools and preparing the work area is necessary for efficiency and safety. The tough, sharp edges of many grass blades require wearing thick leather gloves, long sleeves, and safety goggles to prevent cuts or eye irritation. The soil surrounding the plant should be thoroughly saturated with water a day before removal. This moistening softens the earth, reducing the friction and effort required to slice through the roots and lift the heavy clump.
The task demands heavy-duty equipment designed for leverage and cutting. A sharp spade or digging fork is needed to sever the perimeter roots. For the dense central root crown, a heavy pry bar (landscape bar) or a mattock will provide the necessary force for prying and breaking up the mass. Loppers, a sturdy bow saw, or a chainsaw are needed to cut the thick foliage down to ground level, providing clear access to the root base.
Manual Removal Techniques for Established Clumps
The first step is to eliminate the foliage, making the root crown visible and manageable. Use heavy-duty loppers or a bow saw to cut the entire clump down, leaving only a stubble of three to six inches above the soil line. For very large grasses, tying the foliage together before cutting creates a tight bundle that is easier to remove. Once the canopy is gone, the perimeter of the root crown is exposed, allowing work to begin on the underground mass.
Next, use the sharp spade to repeatedly slice vertically into the soil around the circumference of the plant, aiming to sever the smaller feeder roots. Drive the spade deep into the ground, following the outer edge of the root ball to create a clear trench that isolates the central mass.
For particularly large or old specimens, the root crown will be too massive to lift in one piece and must be sectioned while still partially in the ground. Use an axe, a heavy-duty serrated knife, or the sharp edge of the spade to chop the crown into four or more manageable wedges. This division is typically the most strenuous part of the process, as the fibrous material resists cutting.
Once a section is partially detached, use the digging fork or the pry bar to lever the wedge out of the ground, working the tool underneath the heavy root material. The soil often clings tightly to the dense roots, making the sections heavier than they appear. Continue this chopping and prying process until all pieces of the main root crown have been extracted from the planting hole.
Strategies for Eliminating Persistent Roots
Complete removal of the main crown does not guarantee the elimination of the grass, especially if the species spreads via rhizomes or leaves behind small root fragments. These pieces can quickly sprout new growth, necessitating a follow-up strategy to prevent re-establishment. After the main clump is out, the soil should be lightly loosened and carefully sifted by hand to remove any remaining viable root threads.
For persistent regrowth or managing a large area, non-chemical smothering techniques provide an effective, long-term solution. Lay a thick layer of cardboard or opaque plastic sheeting over the cleared area to completely block sunlight, securing the edges with rocks or soil. This process, known as solarization or occultation, depletes the energy reserves in remaining root fragments and rhizomes over several months. A thick layer of organic mulch, four to six inches deep, can also be used as a smothering barrier.
If sprouts still emerge despite physical removal and smothering, a controlled application of a non-selective herbicide may be warranted. Apply the herbicide directly to the fresh, actively growing shoots, allowing the chemical to be transported down to the remaining root fragments. Multiple, targeted applications are often necessary, and careful use is advised to prevent impact on desirable surrounding plants.
Safe Disposal of Ornamental Grass Waste
The waste generated from removing ornamental grass presents a logistical challenge due to the volume and the tough, fibrous nature of the material. The large, dense root crowns and foliage clippings are generally not suitable for backyard composting. Decomposition is extremely slow, and viable root fragments or seeds may survive the process, risking reintroduction of the grass elsewhere.
The severed foliage should be bundled tightly with twine or rope for easier handling, especially if using a municipal yard waste collection service. Many local waste facilities discourage placing heavy, non-woody root crowns into standard yard waste bins, as they can damage grinding or chipping equipment. The most reliable options for disposal are to transport the waste to a municipal dump or a dedicated commercial composting facility equipped to handle such dense organic material. Always check local waste management guidelines regarding the disposal of large root balls or debris from invasive species.