{"id":141840,"date":"2025-10-23T14:01:35","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T17:01:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=141840"},"modified":"2026-10-19T22:05:19","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T01:05:19","slug":"how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Divide Ornamental Grasses"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>Divide ornamental grasses<\/strong> when new spring growth appears or the clump&#8217;s center dies out, usually every 3 to 4 years.<br>\u2022 <strong>Cut back the foliage<\/strong>, water a day ahead, dig up the clump, and split it into sections with a sharp spade, saw, or ax.<br>\u2022 <strong>Replant divisions within 2 to 3 days<\/strong> at soil level, water lightly, and mulch while leaving a gap around the base.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To divide ornamental grasses, wait for new spring growth, cut back the old blades, dig up the clump, split the roots into sections, and replant within 2 to 3 days.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That dying center in your ornamental grass isn&#8217;t bad news. It&#8217;s an opportunity to rejuvenate the clump and multiply your favorite grass for free. We&#8217;ll walk you through the process with practical tips and expert advice.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you lack the tools or the time to get the job done, consider hiring a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/landscaping\">landscaping pro<\/a> to care for your ornamental grasses at the start of the growing year.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-762ccc3f-63aa-4785-a587-330be8c9f046\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#0-how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses-in-8-steps\" style=\"\">How to Divide Ornamental Grasses in 8 Steps<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#1-step-1-wait-for-the-right-time\" style=\"\">Step 1: Wait for the Right Time<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#2-step-2-cut-the-grass\" style=\"\">Step 2: Cut the Grass<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#3-step-3-water-ahead-of-time\" style=\"\">Step 3: Water Ahead of Time<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#4-step-4-dig-out-the-clump-or-chunks-of-it\" style=\"\">Step 4: Dig Out the Clump (or Chunks of It)<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#5-step-5-split-the-roots\" style=\"\">Step 5: Split the Roots<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#6-step-6-replant-within-2-3-days\" style=\"\">Step 6: Replant Within 2-3 Days<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#7-step-7-water-wisely\" style=\"\">Step 7: Water Wisely<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#8-step-8-mulch-but-not-too-close\" style=\"\">Step 8: Mulch (But Not Too Close)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#9-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses-in-8-steps\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Divide Ornamental Grasses in 8 Steps<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dividing an ornamental grass comes down to 8 straightforward steps, from timing the job right to mulching the new divisions. Work through them in order for healthy divisions and a rejuvenated clump.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Project Difficulty: <\/strong>Beginner to Intermediate<br><strong>Estimated Time to Complete:<\/strong> 1 to 2 hours, depending on the plant size<br><strong>Project Cost:<\/strong> $150 to $225 to buy safety equipment and tools (gloves, goggles, hedge trimmer, shovel, mattock, saw, tarp)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Safety First: <\/strong>Grass blades and stems have sharp edges. Wear gloves, protective goggles, and long sleeves when cutting and dividing.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"1-step-1-wait-for-the-right-time\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Wait for the Right Time<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The secret to successful division is catching your grass just as it wakes up, <strong>when you spot those first signs of new green growth poking around.<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That&#8217;s your window for <a href=\"https:\/\/lancaster.unl.edu\/get-more-your-money-divide-ornamental-grasses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">spring division<\/a>. Here&#8217;s what it looks like in practice by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/types-ornamental-grass\/\">type of ornamental grass<\/a>:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Type of Ornamental Grass<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Best Time to Divide<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Warm-season grasses <br>(e.g., bluestem, switchgrass)<\/td><td>From mid-spring through early summer<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cool-season grasses <br>(e.g., blue fescue, tufted hair grass)<\/td><td>In early spring or early fall<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Evergreen grasses <br>(e.g., mondo grass, Japanese sedge &#8216;Evergold&#8217;)<\/td><td>From late winter through early spring<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When is it necessary to divide ornamental grasses? Most grasses need dividing <a href=\"https:\/\/hgic.clemson.edu\/factsheet\/ornamental-grasses-and-grass-like-plants\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">every 3 to 4 years<\/a>, sometimes sooner if you&#8217;re paying attention to what they&#8217;re telling you.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>A dead or dying center? That hollow spot in the middle of the clump? Time to divide.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>The same goes for grasses that look overcrowded, packed so tightly they&#8217;re practically elbowing each other out of the bed.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Grasses don&#8217;t like tight spaces,&#8221; says Bala Dommeti, owner of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pixiesgardens.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pixies Gardens<\/a> in Conyers, Georgia. Think of it like housing, he suggests: One person per room beats cramming five people into the same space. &#8220;It&#8217;s always good for the roots to be nice and comfortable.&#8221;<\/p>    <h3 id=\"2-step-2-cut-the-grass\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Cut the Grass<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/cut-grass.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"A gardener uses small, handheld shears to cut back brown ornamental grass in order to divide it.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A gardener uses handheld shears to cut back brown ornamental grass. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/cutting-back-ornamental-grasses-in-spring-garden-gardener-pruning-stipa-using-shears-taking-care-of-flower-border\/1412656926?prev_url=detail\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">maryviolet<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you didn&#8217;t cut back the ornamental grass in the fall or winter, now is the time to do it. Those old blades will only get in your way, so <a href=\"https:\/\/ucanr.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/2013-07\/117290.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cut them back<\/a> to about 3 to 6 inches above ground level.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Before you start cutting, tie twine around the clump to bundle everything together. It makes cleanup easier.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Lay a tarp nearby and pile the stems directly on it for quick disposal.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For small clumps, pruning shears work just fine. Larger, tougher grasses, say a 4-foot-wide giant <em>Miscanthus<\/em>, call for a hedge trimmer or even a chainsaw.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-cut-back-ornamental-grasses\/\">How to Cut Back Ornamental Grasses<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/when-to-cut-back-ornamental-grasses\/\">When to Cut Back Ornamental Grasses<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"3-step-3-water-ahead-of-time\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Water Ahead of Time<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you even think about digging, do yourself a favor: Water the clump thoroughly a day or two ahead.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dommeti insists on this step, and for good reason. The moisture softens the soil for digging and keeps the roots from drying out once you expose them.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"4-step-4-dig-out-the-clump-or-chunks-of-it\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Dig Out the Clump (or Chunks of It)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/divide-prnamental-grass.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Gardener using a spade to dig up and divide ornamental grass in a garden bed.\" class=\"wp-image-155668\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/divide-prnamental-grass.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/divide-prnamental-grass-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/divide-prnamental-grass-656x437.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/divide-prnamental-grass-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/divide-prnamental-grass-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A gardener digging out an ornamental grass clump with a spade. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/gardener-transplanting-ornamental-grass-with-spade-in-backyard-garden-seasonal-maintenance-and-landscaping-work-with-decorative-plants-and-soil-care-copyspace\/1512014484\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/gardener-transplanting-ornamental-grass-with-spade-in-backyard-garden-seasonal-maintenance-and-landscaping-work-with-decorative-plants-and-soil-care-copyspace\/1512014484\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u0421\u0432\u0435\u0442\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0430 \u041c\u0438\u0449\u0435\u043d\u043a\u043e<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some grasses have deep roots, so you&#8217;ll need to cut through them to free the root ball. Use a sharp-edged spade or a shovel and don&#8217;t worry about slicing roots, because the grass can take it. <strong>Here&#8217;s how to proceed:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Place your blade a few inches outside the clump&#8217;s edge.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Push down as far as it will go (aim for 6 to 8 inches).<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Pull it out and repeat as you work around the plant.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Once you&#8217;ve gone full circle, slide the shovel underneath and try popping the clump up.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Won&#8217;t budge? You&#8217;ve probably got some stubborn roots still hanging on. Use your shovel&#8217;s edge to slice through them, then try again. Still stuck? Stick a garden fork into the root ball for leverage, or grab a mattock to pry it loose.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Alternative strategy: <\/strong>Divide the clump right there in the ground, the best choice for massive clumps.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Split the clump with an ax, a shovel, or a small reciprocating saw.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Extract the root ball in manageable chunks.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s a video demonstrating this approach:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe title=\"Cutting Back, Replanting &amp; Dividing Ornamental Grasses\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/u3wHHDLmwmc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe> <\/div><\/figure>    <h3 id=\"5-step-5-split-the-roots\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: Split the Roots<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If digging out the root ball felt like work, splitting it might feel like wrestling a bowling ball. You&#8217;ll need a sharp, quality tool and real muscle.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Use a clean, sharp saw. It will be easier to divide,&#8221; Dommeti says. <strong>Here&#8217;s how to divide an ornamental grass with a hand saw:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Flip the plant upside down so the root ball faces up.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Then cut along the bottom: Halve it, then cut it into quarters.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Divide into smaller pieces if necessary.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How small can you go? Dommeti recommends keeping each division at least 3 to 4 inches across. &#8220;If you have a 1-gallon plant, you&#8217;d generally divide it in two,&#8221; he explains. That&#8217;s your minimum, so go bigger if you want fuller clumps in their first year.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ensure every division has healthy roots. Old plants may have dead material in the center. Toss that straight into the compost pile and transplant only the <a href=\"https:\/\/planttalk.colostate.edu\/topics\/annuals-perennials\/1068-dividing-ornamental-grasses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">healthy outer divisions<\/a>.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pro Tip: <\/strong>A hand saw might not be enough for massive root balls. Start with a sharp ax, give the root ball a solid whack to split it in half, then into quarters. Switch to the saw for smaller sections.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h3 id=\"6-step-6-replant-within-2-3-days\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 6: Replant Within 2-3 Days<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plant your divisions right away. If you can&#8217;t, either wrap their roots in a wet cloth or place the divisions in a bucket with water at the bottom and store the plants in your garage. Make sure to get them into the ground within 2 to 3 days, Dommeti advises.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Before you plant, give the division a good soak. &#8220;When I take out the root ball, after the division, I soak it nicely, and then I&#8217;ll put it in the hole,&#8221; Dommeti says.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Here&#8217;s how to replant your grass&#8217;s divisions:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Space the plants 2 to 3 feet away to avoid overcrowding.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Dig the hole about twice as wide as the root mass and roughly as deep. Grasses don&#8217;t need to go deep, so 10 inches is plenty. The crucial detail is crown placement (where roots meet the stems): It should sit about an inch above ground level, Dommeti says.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Drop the division in, backfill with soil, and firm it down gently to eliminate air pockets.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Done.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pro Tip: <\/strong>You can mix some compost into the planting hole if you like, but skip the fertilizer if you&#8217;re doing this in winter, says Dommeti.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h3 id=\"7-step-7-water-wisely\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 7: Water Wisely<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Water the new plants regularly, but don&#8217;t overdo it. &#8220;Most homeowners kill their grasses by overwatering,&#8221; Dommeti warns. The risk is higher in winter and early spring, when grasses are still dormant and need far less moisture.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How much is enough? &#8220;For each plant, <strong>less than half a gallon every 3-4 days<\/strong> is enough,&#8221; Dommeti says. Let that be your guide until active growth resumes later in the spring.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-care-for-ornamental-grass\/\">How to Care for Ornamental Grass<\/a><\/p>    <h3 id=\"8-step-8-mulch-but-not-too-close\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 8: Mulch (But Not Too Close)<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spread a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around the plants. It comes with a triple benefit: It blocks weeds, locks in moisture so you&#8217;re not constantly watering, and moderates soil temperature, protecting roots during winter freezes and summer heat.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pro Tip: <\/strong>Leave a small &#8220;doughnut hole&#8221; around the base: 1 to 2 inches of bare soil right where the crown sits. Piling mulch against the crown invites rot, exactly what you don&#8217;t want after all that work.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/types-of-mulch\/\">Types of Mulch: How to Choose the Right One for Your Landscape<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/mulch-calculator-how-much-mulch-do-you-need\/\">Mulch Calculator: How Much Mulch Do You Need?<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"9-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17908023286773365\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can You Divide Ornamental Grasses in Summer?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It&#8217;s best to avoid dividing during the peak of summer. Warm-season grasses can handle division from mid-spring through early summer, but splitting a clump in the hottest, driest stretch stresses the exposed roots and slows recovery. If you must divide in summer, do it during a cool, cloudy spell and keep the divisions well watered.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17908023286779463\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Which Ornamental Grasses Should Not Be Divided?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Skip dividing young plants and any clump that still looks full and healthy in the center, since they simply don&#8217;t need it yet. Grasses that grow from a single crown rather than a spreading clump can be harder to split cleanly. When in doubt, wait until you see a dead center or overcrowding before you divide.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17908023286779389\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Long Do Divided Ornamental Grasses Take to Recover?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Most divisions re-establish within a single growing season if you replant promptly, water lightly, and mulch. Expect smaller, sparser clumps the first year while the roots settle in, then fuller, more vigorous growth the following season. Larger divisions fill out faster than tiny ones, so keep each piece at least 3 to 4 inches across.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"10-let-the-pros-handle-it\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Let the Pros Handle It<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/lawn-in-Austin-TX-1.jpeg?wsr\" alt=\"A well-maintained front lawn of a modern suburban home in Austin, Texas, featuring neatly trimmed green grass, landscaped bushes, and a central concrete walkway leading up to a porch with black metal railings.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A well-maintained front lawn featuring neatly trimmed green grass and landscaped bushes. Photo Credit: LawnStarter<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ornamental grasses bring year-round beauty to your landscape, including those stunning winter silhouettes. Want to keep them thriving without the heavy lifting? Connect with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/landscaping\">LawnStarter landscaping pro<\/a> near you and let them handle the work.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read More:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/best-tall-ornamental-grass-privacy\/\">12 Best Tall Ornamental Grasses for Privacy<\/a><\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-3768649d-5e73-454e-8678-28956c1731d1\" data-mobilecollapse=\"true\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; border-top-left-radius: 8px; border-top-right-radius: 8px; border-bottom-left-radius: 8px; border-bottom-right-radius: 8px; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-3768649d-5e73-454e-8678-28956c1731d1\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-3768649d-5e73-454e-8678-28956c1731d1\" style=\"color: #000000; \"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-3768649d-5e73-454e-8678-28956c1731d1\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Bala Dommeti, owner of Pixies Gardens, in Conyers, Georgia. Personal interview.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: Small, divided ornamental grasses are planted in loose dirt. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/gardener-planting-bare-rooted-ornamental-grasses-in-spring-garden-putting-deschampsia-ceptitosa-into-holes-in-soil\/803172475?prev_url=detail\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">maryviolet<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p><div class=\"ays-arp-under-posts-container ays-arp-elegant-layout related-posts\" id=\"ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f\"  data-id=\"6aeeb6756016f\" data-ratio=\"1\"><h2 class=\"ays-arp-under-posts-container-title\">Related Posts:<\/h2><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"ays-arp-id-6aeeb6756016f\" value=\"141840\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-posts\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-header\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-winterize-a-garden\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Frozen-Flower-Pixabay-768x512.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"A close-up of a drooping red-orange flower bud coated in delicate white frost crystals on a gray winter day, with frosted leaves visible on the stem and a soft blurred background.\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Frozen-Flower-Pixabay-768x512.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"A close-up of a drooping red-orange flower bud coated in delicate white frost crystals on a gray winter day, with frosted leaves visible on the stem and a soft blurred background.\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img ays-arp-under-post-img-mobile\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-content\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title-row\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-winterize-a-garden\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  >How to Winterize a Garden (in 12...<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-winterize-a-garden\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><span class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-header\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-trim-bushes\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/trim-bushes-1-768x512.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Close up of electric hedge trimmer held by gloved gardener shaping green shrub into neat level hedge in park setting.\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/trim-bushes-1-768x512.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Close up of electric hedge trimmer held by gloved gardener shaping green shrub into neat level hedge in park setting.\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img ays-arp-under-post-img-mobile\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-content\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title-row\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-trim-bushes\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  >How to Trim Bushes: Simple Guide for...<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-trim-bushes\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><span class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-header\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/fire-resistant-landscaping-western-homes\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/A-defensive-redesign-2-768x416.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"An infographic titled \"A Defensive Redesign\" showing a before-and-after comparison of a home's wildfire preparedness: the \"before\" side depicts a cabin surrounded by dry overgrown grass and shrubs with a fuel bridge and approaching wildfire embers, while the \"after\" side shows the same home with a metal roof, a 5-foot defensible space cleared of flammable materials, and well-spaced fire-resistant plants and trees.\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/A-defensive-redesign-2-768x416.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"An infographic titled \"A Defensive Redesign\" showing a before-and-after comparison of a home's wildfire preparedness: the \"before\" side depicts a cabin surrounded by dry overgrown grass and shrubs with a fuel bridge and approaching wildfire embers, while the \"after\" side shows the same home with a metal roof, a 5-foot defensible space cleared of flammable materials, and well-spaced fire-resistant plants and trees.\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img ays-arp-under-post-img-mobile\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-content\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title-row\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/fire-resistant-landscaping-western-homes\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  >Wildfire-Ready Lawns: How Western Homeowners Are Rethinking...<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/fire-resistant-landscaping-western-homes\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><span class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-header\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/front-yard-makeover-guide\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_0981-1-1-768x576.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Florida home with landscaped front yard and brick pathway\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_0981-1-1-768x576.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Florida home with landscaped front yard and brick pathway\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img ays-arp-under-post-img-mobile\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-content\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title-row\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/front-yard-makeover-guide\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  >Front Yard Makeover: How I Did It...<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/front-yard-makeover-guide\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><span class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-header\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/organic-mulch-vs-inorganic-mulch\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Organic-vs-inorganic-mulch-1-768x512.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Organic (wood) and inorganic (rubber) mulch materials\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Organic-vs-inorganic-mulch-1-768x512.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Organic (wood) and inorganic (rubber) mulch materials\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img ays-arp-under-post-img-mobile\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-content\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title-row\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/organic-mulch-vs-inorganic-mulch\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  >Organic vs. Inorganic Mulch: Which Should You...<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/organic-mulch-vs-inorganic-mulch\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><span class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f {\n                width: 100%;\n                word-break: break-word;\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f .ays-arp-under-post {\n                width: calc(20% - 10px);\n                overflow: hidden;\n                padding: 10px;\n                border: none;\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f .ays-arp-under-post-img-row .ays-arp-under-post-img {\n\t\t\t    object-fit: contain;\n\t\t\t    object-position:center center;\n                border: unset;\n                padding: unset;\n                border-radius: 0px;\n                height: 100%\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f .ays-arp-under-posts-container-title,\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f .ays-arp-under-post-title  .ays-arp-under-post-link,\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f .ays-arp-under-post-excerpt-row {\n                color: #333333;\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f  .ays-arp-under-posts  .ays-arp-under-post {\n                background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f  .ays-arp-under-posts  .ays-arp-under-post:hover {\n                background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f .ays-arp-under-post-title,\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f .ays-arp-under-post-link {\n                line-height: 1.5;\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f .ays-arp-under-post-title a{\n                font-size: 16px;\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f .ays-arp-under-post-date-author-row {\n                color: rgba(51,51,51,0.7);\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f .ays-arp-under-posts a:active,\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f .ays-arp-under-posts a:hover,\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f .ays-arp-under-posts a:focus,\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f .ays-arp-under-posts a {\n                text-decoration: unset;\n                cursor: pointer;\n                outline: unset;\n                text-decoration-skip-ink: none;\n                background: unset;\n                opacity: 1;\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f .ays-arp-under-post-img-row .ays-arp-under-post-img.ays-arp-under-post-img-mobile {\n                display: none;                    \n            }\n\n            @media screen and (max-width: 768px){\n\n                #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f .ays-arp-under-post-img-row .ays-arp-under-post-img {\n                    object-fit: contain;\n                    object-position:center center;\n                    border-radius: 0px;\n                    display: none;\n                }\n\n                #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f .ays-arp-under-post-img-row .ays-arp-under-post-img.ays-arp-under-post-img-mobile {\n                    display: inline-block;                    \n                }\n\n                #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f .ays-arp-under-post-title a{\n                    font-size: 16px;\n                }\n\n                #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f .ays-arp-under-post {\n                    width: calc(20% - 10px);\n                    border: none;\n                }\n\n                #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f .ays-arp-under-posts-container-title,\n                #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f .ays-arp-under-post-title  .ays-arp-under-post-link,\n                #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f .ays-arp-under-post-excerpt-row {\n                    color: #333333;\n                }\n\n                #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f .ays-arp-under-post-date-author-row {\n                    color: rgba(51,51,51,0.7);\n                }\n\n                #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f  .ays-arp-under-posts  .ays-arp-under-post {\n                    background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);\n                }\n            }\n\n            \n            \/* Layout CSS *\/\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f.ays-arp-elegant-layout .ays-arp-under-post-date-author-row {\n                border-top: 0.5px solid rgba(51,51,51,0.4);\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f.ays-arp-elegant-layout .ays-arp-under-post-title a,\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-141840-6aeeb6756016f.ays-arp-elegant-layout .ays-arp-under-post-read-more-row a {\n                text-decoration: unset;\n            }\n            \n            <\/style><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how to divide ornamental grasses in 8 simple steps, from timing and tools to splitting roots and replanting, plus expert tips for healthy clumps.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":140,"featured_media":141972,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[25],"class_list":["post-141840","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping-2"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/plant-grass.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Sinziana Spiridon","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/sinziana-spiridon\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Divide Ornamental Grasses<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to divide ornamental grasses in 8 simple steps, from timing and tools to splitting roots and replanting, plus expert tips for healthy clumps.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Divide Ornamental Grasses\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how to divide ornamental grasses in 8 simple steps, from timing and tools to splitting roots and replanting, plus expert tips for healthy clumps.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Lawnstarter\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-10-23T17:01:35+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-20T01:05:19+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/plant-grass.jpg?wsr\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Sinziana Spiridon\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Sinziana Spiridon\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Sinziana Spiridon\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/e6d1a3e3255d77b4e1bfcaf59893327c\"},\"headline\":\"How to Divide Ornamental Grasses\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-10-23T17:01:35+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-20T01:05:19+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1737,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/plant-grass.jpg?wsr\",\"keywords\":[\"landscaping\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Landscaping\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\\\/\",\"name\":\"How to Divide Ornamental Grasses\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/plant-grass.jpg?wsr\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-10-23T17:01:35+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-20T01:05:19+00:00\",\"description\":\"Learn how to divide ornamental grasses in 8 simple steps, from timing and tools to splitting roots and replanting, plus expert tips for healthy clumps.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\\\/#faq-question-17908023286773365\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\\\/#faq-question-17908023286779463\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\\\/#faq-question-17908023286779389\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/plant-grass.jpg?wsr\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/plant-grass.jpg?wsr\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":800,\"caption\":\"Small, divided ornamental grasses are planted in loose dirt. Photo Credit: maryviolet \\\/ Adobe Stock\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How to Divide Ornamental Grasses\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Lawnstarter\",\"description\":\"The LawnStarter Blog\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Lawnstarter\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/10\\\/lawnstarter-logo.svg?wsr\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/10\\\/lawnstarter-logo.svg?wsr\",\"width\":198,\"height\":26,\"caption\":\"Lawnstarter\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/e6d1a3e3255d77b4e1bfcaf59893327c\",\"name\":\"Sinziana Spiridon\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/sinziana-150x150.jpeg?wsr\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/sinziana-150x150.jpeg?wsr\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/sinziana-150x150.jpeg?wsr\",\"caption\":\"Sinziana Spiridon\"},\"description\":\"Sinziana Spiridon is an outdoorsy writer with a soft spot for organic gardening and over four years' experience covering lawn care. When not writing about weeds, pests, soil, and plant care, she's tending to her veggie garden, her greenhouse tomatoes, and the lovely turf strip in her front yard.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/sinziana-spiridon\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\\\/#faq-question-17908023286773365\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\\\/#faq-question-17908023286773365\",\"name\":\"Can You Divide Ornamental Grasses in Summer?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It's best to avoid dividing during the peak of summer. Warm-season grasses can handle division from mid-spring through early summer, but splitting a clump in the hottest, driest stretch stresses the exposed roots and slows recovery. If you must divide in summer, do it during a cool, cloudy spell and keep the divisions well watered.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\\\/#faq-question-17908023286779463\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\\\/#faq-question-17908023286779463\",\"name\":\"Which Ornamental Grasses Should Not Be Divided?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Skip dividing young plants and any clump that still looks full and healthy in the center, since they simply don't need it yet. Grasses that grow from a single crown rather than a spreading clump can be harder to split cleanly. When in doubt, wait until you see a dead center or overcrowding before you divide.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\\\/#faq-question-17908023286779389\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\\\/#faq-question-17908023286779389\",\"name\":\"How Long Do Divided Ornamental Grasses Take to Recover?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Most divisions re-establish within a single growing season if you replant promptly, water lightly, and mulch. Expect smaller, sparser clumps the first year while the roots settle in, then fuller, more vigorous growth the following season. Larger divisions fill out faster than tiny ones, so keep each piece at least 3 to 4 inches across.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Divide Ornamental Grasses","description":"Learn how to divide ornamental grasses in 8 simple steps, from timing and tools to splitting roots and replanting, plus expert tips for healthy clumps.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to Divide Ornamental Grasses","og_description":"Learn how to divide ornamental grasses in 8 simple steps, from timing and tools to splitting roots and replanting, plus expert tips for healthy clumps.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/","og_site_name":"Lawnstarter","article_published_time":"2025-10-23T17:01:35+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-10-20T01:05:19+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":800,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/plant-grass.jpg?wsr","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Sinziana Spiridon","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Sinziana Spiridon","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/"},"author":{"name":"Sinziana Spiridon","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/e6d1a3e3255d77b4e1bfcaf59893327c"},"headline":"How to Divide Ornamental Grasses","datePublished":"2025-10-23T17:01:35+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-20T01:05:19+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/"},"wordCount":1737,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/plant-grass.jpg?wsr","keywords":["landscaping"],"articleSection":["Landscaping"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/","name":"How to Divide Ornamental Grasses","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/plant-grass.jpg?wsr","datePublished":"2025-10-23T17:01:35+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-20T01:05:19+00:00","description":"Learn how to divide ornamental grasses in 8 simple steps, from timing and tools to splitting roots and replanting, plus expert tips for healthy clumps.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#faq-question-17908023286773365"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#faq-question-17908023286779463"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#faq-question-17908023286779389"}],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/plant-grass.jpg?wsr","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/plant-grass.jpg?wsr","width":1200,"height":800,"caption":"Small, divided ornamental grasses are planted in loose dirt. Photo Credit: maryviolet \/ Adobe Stock"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How to Divide Ornamental Grasses"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/","name":"Lawnstarter","description":"The LawnStarter Blog","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Lawnstarter","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/lawnstarter-logo.svg?wsr","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/lawnstarter-logo.svg?wsr","width":198,"height":26,"caption":"Lawnstarter"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/e6d1a3e3255d77b4e1bfcaf59893327c","name":"Sinziana Spiridon","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/sinziana-150x150.jpeg?wsr","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/sinziana-150x150.jpeg?wsr","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/sinziana-150x150.jpeg?wsr","caption":"Sinziana Spiridon"},"description":"Sinziana Spiridon is an outdoorsy writer with a soft spot for organic gardening and over four years' experience covering lawn care. When not writing about weeds, pests, soil, and plant care, she's tending to her veggie garden, her greenhouse tomatoes, and the lovely turf strip in her front yard.","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/sinziana-spiridon\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#faq-question-17908023286773365","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#faq-question-17908023286773365","name":"Can You Divide Ornamental Grasses in Summer?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It's best to avoid dividing during the peak of summer. Warm-season grasses can handle division from mid-spring through early summer, but splitting a clump in the hottest, driest stretch stresses the exposed roots and slows recovery. If you must divide in summer, do it during a cool, cloudy spell and keep the divisions well watered.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#faq-question-17908023286779463","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#faq-question-17908023286779463","name":"Which Ornamental Grasses Should Not Be Divided?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Skip dividing young plants and any clump that still looks full and healthy in the center, since they simply don't need it yet. Grasses that grow from a single crown rather than a spreading clump can be harder to split cleanly. When in doubt, wait until you see a dead center or overcrowding before you divide.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#faq-question-17908023286779389","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-divide-ornamental-grasses\/#faq-question-17908023286779389","name":"How Long Do Divided Ornamental Grasses Take to Recover?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Most divisions re-establish within a single growing season if you replant promptly, water lightly, and mulch. Expect smaller, sparser clumps the first year while the roots settle in, then fuller, more vigorous growth the following season. Larger divisions fill out faster than tiny ones, so keep each piece at least 3 to 4 inches across.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141840","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/140"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=141840"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141840\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":156568,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141840\/revisions\/156568"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/141972"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=141840"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=141840"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=141840"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}