Identification

• There are a variety of types that range in height and color. The root system for ornamental grasses forms either a clump, or mass, of roots or spreads laterally through underground rhizomes roots. Gardeners separate both the clumping and rhizome roots in a similar manner.
  
  

Time Frame

• The best time to separate ornamental grasses is when the grass is not actively growing. Choose to separate in early spring, once you see small sprouts of grass emerging from the ground. This helps you identify where to dig up the plant. You can also separate ornamental grass in late fall, after the completion of the growing season.
  
  

Process

• Take the time to remove dead or dying grass blades by cutting them to an approximate height of 4 inches. You will remove the root mass or a section of rhizomes by digging the grass from the ground. Separating the grass into smaller sections for planting involves cutting the roots into sections with a clean, sharp knife. Take the time to remove any dead area of roots, which is common in the center of clumping grass varieties.
  
  

Transplanting

• The roots of separated ornamental grasses dry out quickly, so you want to transplant them as quickly as possible after digging. Keep the separated plants in a shaded area until you are ready to place them back into the ground. Set the new grass divisions into a hole that is deep enough so the root crown is at the same level as it was previously growing.
  
  

Considerations

• You may want to watch the weather reports for the week and choose a day where the weather is overcast and cool to limit drying of the roots during the separation process. If the weather predictions show sunny and warm days during the time you want to separate, complete the process early in the morning when the temperature is cooler.
  
  Some varieties of ornamental grasses have sharp edges that may cut your skin while working with the plant, especially in the fall when the full blades remain on the plant. Wear gloves and long sleeves to prevent cuts on your skin while separating the plants.