What's the best way to trim monkey grass? We have it on both sides of our brick entry and it is out of control

Question

I live in Houston where it is hot for 9 months out of the year if this matters.

Answer 1

I live in Texarkana, if that matters. =) Monkey grass (Liriope, or Turf Lily) is pretty easy to deal with. The most frequent mistake people make in planting it is planting it too close together. While M grass isn't a spreading grass (like mondo grass), one clump may eventually grow in circumference comparable to that of a round garbage can lid.

Liriope should be spaced apart a good 18 inches. But, if it hasn't been, and is clustering together, then simply dig it up and separate the clumps. You won't kill it.

Dig up the clumps, chop each one apart into smaller pieces and toss away or plant elsewhere.

Answer 2

One more tip---always , always trim off the old foliage before March in your area to keep from having raggy dead looking tips on the new growth that you have to look at all year.

If you do dig it now, separate (that can be a tough job, just a sharp shooter spade or axe to help if needed) be sure to shade them and give them plenty of water till they settle in.

Personally, I would wait till fall to do this. the best way to separate the huge clumps is to shake off the dirt and untangle the roots and pull the individual plants apart. remember that there are two types of 'monkey grass' the clumping variety and the running variety. One has a more pointed tip than the other.