Taking Care of Ornamental Grasses in Seattle’s Unique Conditions

Ornamental grasses—like feather reed, blue fescue, Japanese forest grass, and blood grass—bring movement, texture, and low-maintenance beauty to Seattle yards. They look stunning in modern Ballard designs and historic lawns in Magnolia. 

Seattle area landscapers know grasses fall into cool-season (growth in spring) and warm-season (summer growers) types. Professional teams choose the right grass for the right spot—sunny or shady, wet or dry. 

In spring, cool-season grasses are cut back to just above the soil before new blades emerge, ensuring fresh, green tufts. Warm-season varieties are pruned later, once growth resumes. Sedges and rushes (which resemble grasses) are combed and trimmed, not chopped, to prevent damage. 

Professionals understand that ornamental grasses add four-season interest—billowy summer shapes, frosty winter seed heads, and golden fall color—with minimal care. Landscape crews can divide crowded clumps and recommend the best varieties for your microclimate, giving homeowners gardens that look great with little work.