Doesn't hurt a bit.

Thanks! I babied these plants until the drought won the fight and just don't want to do anything to hurt the ones I was able to save, which was most of what I planted during the past two or three years including this year. I just love my ferns!

Again, thanks!
Beverly

So, no problem chopping this guy down close to the ground before spring? It stayed pretty green and healthy until a hard frost we had a few weeks ago. Assuming it will come back?

Here in the Pacific Northwest we cut almost all of our ferns down in the fall. It is not too late - but be careful to watch for new growth in the crown. They should be fine and those old fronds help to protect the crown in the cold snaps!