Pampas grass is a showstopper in any landscape, but let’s be real: over the years, it tends to take over. If yours has grown into a massive hedge or just doesn’t fit your new garden aesthetic anymore, you might be thinking about digging it up. I’ll be honest with you—this is a serious workout. No matter why you’re removing it, get ready to break a sweat!
The Step-by-Step Process
When it comes to digging out pampas grass, don’t underestimate the job. If you’re dealing with a large, established plant, you might want to spread the work out over a few days. Here’s your game plan:
- Trim back or shorten the long leaves.
- Tie the fronds together (this helps you actually see and reach the root ball).
- Use a sharp spade to cut around the root area.
- Break the root system apart piece by piece.
While the initial pruning and tying it up are usually pretty easy, things get tough once you start digging. Pampas grass has an incredibly dense, stubborn root system that doesn’t give up without a fight.
Propagating Your Pampas Grass
Digging doesn’t always have to mean saying goodbye! If you actually want *more* of this beautiful grass in your yard, propagation is the way to go. The easiest method is dividing the plant. The best part? You don’t have to dig up the entire root ball. You just need to expose enough of the roots to slice off a healthy section with your spade, which you can then transplant to a new sunny spot in your garden.
Safety First: Gear Up!
Whether you’re removing the grass entirely or just dividing it, safety is key. I cannot stress this enough: wear heavy-duty gloves! You’ll also want to wear long sleeves and pants. The edges of pampas grass leaves are surprisingly hard and razor-sharp—they can give you a nasty “paper cut” before you even realize it.
One pro tip: try to time your digging for after a good rain. The roots are much easier to pry out of moist soil than bone-dry, compacted earth. Your back will thank you!
