Beginner Gardening: Cutting back Muhly Grass, 1 by JeanK

JeanK wrote:
Last year, I purchased 3 muhly grass plants, which performed beautifully in our AR yard in the fall. I know these have to be cut back (preferably in February), however, we leave AR for FL the middle of December and don't return until April. This April, I had to cut back the old growth by hand (a real chore) in order not to damage the new shoots. Would I harm our plants if I cut them back before we leave in December or will I kill my little beauties?