Ornamental Grasses have become more popular in recent years for landscaping. They range from size from the tiny Blue Fescue, to the huge Pampas Grass. Grasses can be divided in the Fall to produce more plants for re-planting. They can be difficult to dig up if they have been in the same spot for several years. The first step is to cut off the grass blades and plumes with a hedge trimmer. Not only is this something that heeds to be done each Fall after the plumes have dried, but the edges of the grass are serrated, and will cut skin quite easily. You must dig all around them, and wedge a heavy bar under them and use it as a lever to dislodge the plants from the soil.
After removal, we usually cut the root area into quarters with a bow saw to divide it. You can, of course, cut it into smaller sections if you don't mind the extra time that the plant will take to get larger again. We have used a chain saw before, but it doesn't work as well as you would think, as the blade is quickly dulled by cutting through the dirt and stones. Our soil is heavy clay, and stones, so a chain saw just doesn't do the job. If your soil is lighter, it may work.
Plant the sections in a new location, and you will be surprized at the vigorous growth during the next growing season. Use heavy gloves if you have the habit of patting the soil around the plant down during planting, as the new sprouts are very pointed and will definitely puncture your skin.
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