Photo: Rasbak, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Grass-like plant
Cock’s-foot: when and how to prune
Dactylis glomerata
Cock’s-foot is best pruned in June and September.
| Pruning months | June and September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–July |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Cock’s-foot: when to prune it?
Late June and September, in dry weather.
Cock’s-foot: how to prune it?
- Mow at 5–10 cm with a scythe or a bar mower.
- Leave the hay for 2–3 days, so that seed can drop and small creatures can escape, then remove it.
- Mow in sections: leave part standing each time as a refuge for insects.
- In a wild corner, leave tussocks and panicles standing over winter: beetles, spiders and caterpillars overwinter in them.
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: Do not use a flail or rotary mower: they kill many insects and amphibians and leave fine clippings that enrich the soil.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Cock’s-foot · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.