Photo: Rasbak, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Grass-like plant
Common bent: when and how to prune
Agrostis capillaris
Common bent is best pruned in July and September.
| Pruning months | July and September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–August |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Common bent: when to prune it?
In July and September, as the mowing of a flower meadow; a wildlife lawn is mown from April to October.
Common bent: how to prune it?
- Mow with a scythe, brush cutter or bar mower at a height of 5–10 cm.
- Leave the cuttings for 2–3 days to dry and drop their seed, then remove them.
- Always leave a strip or a few patches uncut: caterpillars, eggs and insects overwinter there in the stems and turf.
- In a wildlife lawn: do not mow shorter than 5 cm or too often, so flowers can bloom.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: July and September. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Avoid flail mowers or any mower that shreds the cuttings: it kills many insects and leaves the cuttings behind as fertiliser.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Common bent · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.