How to Remove Pampas Grass

Pampas grass is a tall plant that bears elegant plumes. While it may be attractive to some gardeners, others consider it a landscaping problem. Pampas grass is a large plant that spreads quickly. It typically grows 8 to 12 feet high and is very invasive. It spread both by underground rhizomes and by the dispersal of seed from the plumes. When the grass dries in the fall it can be a fire hazard. The sharp blades of the leaves may cut people if they pass too close. Removing pampas grass may take repeated efforts.

Heavy gloves

Twine or rope

Electric hedge trimmer

Shovel

Bind the foliage of the pampas grass together. Wearing heavy gloves, wind rope or twine around the clump of grass to gather it together into a tight clump. This will make the plant easier to handle.

Cut the pampas grass foliage off very close to the ground. Use electric hedge trimmers to cut the stalks. Some gardeners also use scythes, weed trimmers or chainsaws.

Find the edge of the pampas grass clump. Dig around the clump and investigate where the roots seem to end.

Dig up the clump of pampas grass roots. Start at the outside and work to the center. Break up the root clump and pull the parts out of the hole. This may have to be done over several sessions.

Dig around the area to check that all of the pampas grass roots are removed.

Watch the ground for new shoots and dig up any remaining roots that may have been missed.

Removing especially stubborn or invasive pampas grass may require help from a professional landscaper.