Marianne's Response

Suze’s Question

Hi Marianne,

I’ve read that the brown fern fronds can be cut but the large sword fern in my yard is turning brown on all the fronds. We moved here last July, and the fern looked healthy and green despite the brown ones underneath. This was our first winter so I don’t know if this is common, or if it’s because I raked some of the dead fronds and leaves from underneath (didn’t look like it had been done in many years!)earlier in the spring and by doing so removed some protection. Although it is close to the house. Should I cut everything back?

Posted by Suze on April 21, 2017

Marianne's Response

Yes, spring is a good time to remove all the old fronds from your sword fern. The new fronds will be curled up in the center of the plant so be careful not to cut off these unopened fronds. I do not think you caused the browning on the leaves by your garden cleanup. More likely the cold winter or even lack of summer water made those leaf tips turn brown. The new growth will be fresh and green. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti

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