Spring Cutbacks for Native Gardens
Why Cut Back in the Spring?
Spring cutback helps refresh your native plant garden by making room for new growth while preserving habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife over winter. This approach supports ecological health and promotes plant vigor.
What to Cut Back
Trim dead stems of perennials to 6-12 inches above the ground. Many insects pupate inside stems, so leaving short stubble provides habitat.
Cut grasses to 4-6 inches to encourage fresh new growth.
Remove any matted leaves or dense thatch that could smother new shoots.
What to Leave
Seed heads to feed the birds.
Hollow stems cut to different heights to create nesting habitat for native bees.
Spent plant material cut in sections up to 12 inches long.
Leaf litter in place or moved gently to compost piles to avoid disturbing insect larvae.
When to Cut Back
Wait until temperatures consistently reach 50°F to allow overwintering insects to emerge.
Late February to late March.
Best Practices
Use hand pruners or hedge shears for precision and to avoid damaging emerging shoots.
Leave cut plant material as mulch or in small brush piles to recycle nutrients.
Avoid chemical treatments to maintain a healthy habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects.
Still Curious?
Learn more about native landscaping at our Online Learning Center and check out our Mulch Manifesto for sustainable mulching ideas.
Have Questions about ecological landscaping? Reach out to the author by email:
Annie Sales, IRWP Green Infrastructure Program Manager, annie@irwp.org
