Lots of fern pruning questions! When should sword ferns (maybe others as well) be trimmed? Is it too early to do this here in the Northwest? Wondering if old fronds protect the plant in coming possible cold days. Should only the brown fronds be trimmed and should it be every year?
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Good question for northeast too.
Most of the time the western sword fern is planted in a high overhead cover shade. Even though it may be deciduous the cover will help prevent heavy frost damage and cold temps freezing the ground. I would usually choose anytime from February 15- March 30th when the fronds start to really push through the crown. Thankfully native ferns in there native habitat can do without much 'gardening' from us. If in a less native environment, like open sunny areas, more caution should be taken and avoid pruning back leaves until after March 30. Removing any fronds is ok at this point.
Thank you so much. I added to my to do list! .
Great. Love those ferns !
I cut mine back in mid to early April just as the new fronds come up. I live in the forest in Western Washington with over 80 ferns on our property and they grow back great every year. The issue is what to do with all the debris.
Yes, all that debris. They will compost down great if you have a pile but also if you lay them in a big pile in a sunny area (usually just a clearing in the forest) they will make great leaf mold without much effort. It takes a while but better than taking it to the dump.