Expert Ornamental Grass Planting Services in Northeast Pennsylvania and Nearby New York Communities

Ornamental grasses are grass like plants that are grown mainly for their attractive foliage, texture, and seed heads rather than for a lawn. Many homeowners plant ornamental grasses to improve the look of their garden beds or landscape. These plants can add movement, height, and color to your yard while staying low maintenance. Most ornamental grasses are also drought tolerant and work well with other plants such as shrubs and flowering perennials in a perennial garden.

The best time to plant ornamental grasses depends on the type of grass plant. Warm season grasses like muhly grass or blue grama grass usually do best when planted in late spring or early summer so they can develop roots during the growing season. Cool season grasses such as feather reed grass or blue fescue can often be planted in early spring or early fall. Planting before the first frost gives the roots time to grow before winter arrives.

We install several varieties of ornamental grasses depending on your landscape design and the conditions in your yard. Popular options include fountain grass, feather reed grass, blue fescue, japanese forest grass, and northern sea oats. We also work with native grasses and other drought tolerant plants that grow well in the region. Whether you want taller grasses for a focal point or smaller clumps for texture in garden beds, there are many options available.

Most ornamental grasses are very low maintenance compared to other plants. They usually require basic care such as watering during the first growing season while the roots develop, adding mulch around the base, and trimming old foliage once a year. Many grasses grow well with minimal fertilizer and can tolerate both full sun and part shade depending on the variety.

Most grasses grow best in full sun and well drained soil. However, some varieties such as hakonechloa macra, also known as japanese forest grass, can grow well in part shade. The planting bed should have healthy soil so the roots can grow properly. During the first growing season, watering helps support root growth and new growth as the plant becomes established.

Yes, many ornamental grasses provide winter interest even after the growing season ends. The dried foliage and seed heads often remain standing through fall and winter, adding texture to the landscape. In late winter or early spring, the old growth is usually trimmed back so new growth can begin again.

Yes, you can divide ornamental grasses once the clumps become large. Dividing grasses helps control their size and allows you to plant new ornamental grasses in other areas of your garden. This is usually done in early spring or early fall when the plant is not under stress from extreme summer heat or winter cold.

Ornamental grasses are a great way to add texture and movement to a landscape. Taller grasses can create a focal point in the yard, while smaller grasses like blue fescue or sedges work well in garden beds with other perennials and shrubs. They can soften the edges of patios, walkways, or planting areas while providing color and interest throughout the seasons. Many homeowners use ornamental grasses to create a natural and balanced look in their own garden.