Mammoth Miscanthus

[oldie]

Whilst I have native hedging growing along the side of my garden I still have a very windy spot at the top end at the high point of the slope. I wondered if this Miscanthus would be a good choice for a windbreak? Mixed views from folks here. Main queries:- is it invasive (I'm told not). How easy to trim? One person says it needs a chain saw! Anyone any experience of it?

[vicky]

I've grown the normal 6ft Miscanthus before. Invasive - no but it increases in size each year so at some point you'll have to dig up and split but the roots are not too deep.
Pruning - I just cut mine down with secutears in the spring. If you had a hedge of it then a hedge trimmer would be very quick! Prune just before a bonfire - no problems!
It would require some space around it (esp downwind) as stems often break down

[Creemteez]

I use chopped miscanthus (bought as animal bedding) for mulching my paths. It's very pleasant to walk/kneel on and pretty hardwearing so far, so if you do grow it I'd be inclined to chip it up and get another use from it rather than burn it. Looks nicer than bark chippings too!