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  Seth Burgess February 5, 2016 at 5:06pm

  As long as the cut from the hedge trimmer is neat it's the same thing just achieved much quicker. Cutting it down gradually isn't going to do anything as the plant is 'recovering' between cutting it down.
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  Colin Hunt February 5, 2016 at 5:15pm

  A hedge trimmer will never cut as cleanly at sharp secateurs.  Does it matter, will the grasses suffer........probably not I would think.
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  Simon Land February 5, 2016 at 7:18pm

  Hedge cutter is fine for most grasses, especially if its a big clump. For smaller clumps I tend to use a sharp hand scythe.

  Another option which you can use if you have clients that aren't too fussy and a bit pro 'eco' gardening, is to use your hedge cutter and chop the grass down in smaller increments, like 4 - 6 inches at a time, and leave it all on the border where it falls. Yes when its freshly cut it can look a bit messy but it will soon break down naturally, acts as a bit of a mulch, and gives a place for insects and stuff to hide under. This method could be used for many herbaceous plants, and would be ideal in a big herbaceous border.

  Its mad sometimes that we cut all the material down, rake it up and carry it away to a composting heap where it stays for a while, has to be turned, and then carried back and put on the border!
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  Andrew Midgley February 5, 2016 at 8:58pm

  I use hedge shears to cut the grass down into a dome shaped I also 'comb' out the thatch using a hand fork to encourage air and to get as much dead material out. I saw some contractors using hedge cutters to cut back ornamental grasses in the park. Why they cut dead straight and at waist height is beyond me.