I've seen where people have left the old growth and I thought it looked terrible. Personally, I would cut the old growth.

I agree w/ dereks, remove last years dead leftovers.

Yes new growth will come through but it will be hidden by the old "stuff". The old or last years growth will eventually drop or break off and you will be picking up the old stuff all growing season.

Removing the old growth all at one time is work but it also gets the dead growth out of the way thus allowing you to enjoy the new growth. More time to spend on the rest of your garden inhabitants.

If you remove the old growth you will have a bare area for a short period of time but you will soon notice that the new growth is making an appearance and before long you will have grasses standing a foot tall and growing.

The above is just my experiences of trials and tribulations to perfect that which works best for me. Use the above information the way you think it will work best for you.

Jake

Hi Swanz,

I third the motion! I think leaving the old growth on will give you far more of a "ratty" look than a "nice contrast" look. If you decide to cut it, do it before the new growth gets too big or you'll wind up cutting the tops off of the new growth.

Skybird

Thanks guys, appreciate the info, gonna chop of old growth.

Swal;nz

I cant believe any reputable garden talk show host would recommend leaving last year's growth uncut for the new year. I'm sure he did say that but I have never ever heard it recommended before. how strange!

Sue
"The one thing all gardeners share in common is a belief in tomorrow"

I can't imagine anyone reccomending leaving the old growth on either! I know that before I chop it down in the spring, a lot of the old growth is breaking off and blowing around the yard. Very messy! It would be horrible to have that happening all summer long!

It was on an episode of "you bet your garden" radio show.

Swanz