(Question)
My outdoor ferns had something step on them and they broke. Do I cut them off at the break or down at the bottom? Also will they grow back?
(Answer)
You should prune any damaged fern fronds back to their base at the crown, taking care not to damage the crown itself. While it depends on the species, most of the common ferns found in our gardens grow new fronds (or crosiers) from a crown at the base of the plant. New growth might slow during the summer, but new fronds will emerge again in the spring. Unlike other plants, ferns will not put out new growth from a frond once cut.
You might be interested in this Toronto Master Gardeners Guide to growing ferns for more information and tips for maintaining your ferns.