Photo: Rasbak, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Grass-like plant
False oat-grass: when and how to prune
Arrhenatherum elatius
False oat-grass is best pruned in June and September.
| Pruning months | June and September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–August |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
False oat-grass: when to prune it?
Mid-June and again in September, like a hay meadow.
False oat-grass: how to prune it?
- Mow at 5–10 cm with a scythe, brushcutter or reciprocating-blade mower; a flail mower kills far more insects.
- Let the hay dry for a few days, then remove it.
- Leave 10–20 % uncut each time, in a different place every time.
- In autumn, leave a strip standing until spring: hollow stems and tufts are winter quarters for insects.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: June 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: Flail mowing and leaving the cuttings make the soil richer: the flowers disappear and only rough grass and nettles remain.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: False oat-grass · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.