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Yes, that's Pampas grass and if you ever plant one, you'll never get rid of it. I've got several the previous owner planted alongside the house and, while they're colorful, they're a royal pain in the butt.
You can cut 'em, dig 'em up, burn 'em...doesn't matter. They'll come right back. In the winter, they're a fire hazard because the leaves get brittle and dry. In the spring and summer, they'll cut your legs if you walk around them in shorts. The new leaves and stems die, but don't fall out unless you pull them out. That means the clump grows bigger each year and, if you decide to trim them back, you have to cut each leaf separately because they're so tough. Don't even think about cutting them down with a chainsaw unless you just WANT to pick strings out of the sprocket for an hour or two.
They're a HUGE pain in the butt. We had one at our last house. It required a lot of maintenance, and like the pp said, they got bigger and bigger every year. And less and less attractive. HATED that thing.
"Any suggestions to replace that one? I'm looking to hide cable and electrical utility boxes in my front lawn."
Kudzu?
It'll make a difference where you are located. You can't plant anything with deep or intrusive roots, and remember to call before digging. If you keep it trimmed, Arbor Vitae stays green all year and fills out, while having fairly shallow roots.
Any suggestions to replace that one? I'm looking to hide cable and electrical utility boxes in my front lawn.
Miscanthus Cosmopolitan is nice. I have it in my yard. It's sterile so the seeds won't scatter all over the yard. It grows about 4-5' wide and 6+' tall. The seed stalks when mature may reach over 9' tall. I like the variegation.
I don't hate pampas grass. I have some in my yard that I planted. You just have to give it the room it requires and things will be fine.
Here's the miscanthus when I planted it. It was a 1 gallon container purchased at Lowe's.
Yes, that's Pampas grass and if you ever plant one, you'll never get rid of it. I've got several the previous owner planted alongside the house and, while they're colorful, they're a royal pain in the butt.
You can cut 'em, dig 'em up, burn 'em...doesn't matter. They'll come right back. In the winter, they're a fire hazard because the leaves get brittle and dry. In the spring and summer, they'll cut your legs if you walk around them in shorts. The new leaves and stems die, but don't fall out unless you pull them out. That means the clump grows bigger each year and, if you decide to trim them back, you have to cut each leaf separately because they're so tough. Don't even think about cutting them down with a chainsaw unless you just WANT to pick strings out of the sprocket for an hour or two.
You went through all of this and didn't use Roundup? It will take them down and make them gone forever... in a couple of minutes.
I love Pompous Grass. When it gets too large burn it off and it will come back beautiful again.
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