I trimmed back my deer, and autumn ferns since they took so much frost damage this year. They seem no worse for wear having done it. Might be a little late for trimming them back now without great care. Mine have started unfurling their fronds. Since my native sword ferns have gotten so huge I am hoping that trimming off the old fronds a few years running will help limit their size some. My holly and fish tale ferns didn't appear to have survived our 11F weather this winter.
I divide my ferns after the fronds are mature in early summer. If the divides are smaller I pot them up and place in the shade...oh yeh that is most of my yard
Just make sure they get adequate water during our dry summer season and artificial shade if we get those rare hot days. With our long fall weather I have been successful creating new autumn and deer ferns dividing at this time. Good luck whenever you decide to divide.
