When planning a landscape in Detroit Lakes, we look for plants that can survive our harsh winters and look good doing it. One of our absolute favorites at Miller Yard Care is Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass.

If you are looking for a plant that offers height, movement, and extremely low maintenance, this is the industry standard for a reason. Here is why we recommend Karl Foerster grass for so many of our residential and commercial properties.

1. It Stands Tall (And Doesn't Flop)

Many ornamental grasses tend to get messy or flop over after a heavy rain. Karl Foerster is famous for its vertical, upright growth habit.

• The Look: It grows in a tight clump about 2–3 feet wide, with stalks reaching 4–5 feet tall.

• The Use: Because it grows straight up, it works perfectly as a narrow screen, a backdrop for shorter flowers, or a structural accent against the side of a house.

2. It Provides "Winter Interest"

In Minnesota, our gardens are covered in snow for months. Most perennials disappear, but Karl Foerster shines in the winter.

We intentionally leave these grasses tall throughout the winter. The stalks turn a golden-tan color that looks striking against the white snow. They also provide texture and movement in the wind, giving your landscape life even in January.

3. Minimal Maintenance Required

This is a "cool-season" grass, meaning it starts growing early in the spring. It is incredibly low maintenance compared to shrubs or flowering annuals.

• The Routine: You only need to touch it once a year. We simply cut the clumps down to about 6 inches from the ground in early spring (usually during our Spring Cleanup service).

• The Result: Fresh green shoots appear almost immediately after cutting, followed by feathery pink-bronze flowers in June that fade to gold by fall.

4. Tough as Nails

Karl Foerster is hardy to Zone 3, meaning it easily handles our freezing temperatures. It is also:

• Deer Resistant: Deer generally leave it alone.

• Clay Soil Tolerant: It grows well in the heavy soils often found in our area.

• Drought Tolerant: Once established, it requires very little supplemental watering.

Summary

Karl Foerster grass is a landscaping workhorse. It gives you privacy and beauty without the constant weeding or pruning required by other plants. Whether you need a row of them for a border or a single clump as an accent, they add instant value to your curb appeal.

Whether you want to install new low-maintenance landscaping or need your existing grasses cut back this spring, Miller Yard Care can help. Contact us today for a quote.