Should I be cutting my iris leaves/stalks?

My neighbor just cut the leafy stalks of his irises down to about 6 inches. I've never had irises before, they came with the house. I don't even know what kind they are because I've never seen them bloom. Should I be cutting these things down or leaving them alone?

Should I be cutting my iris leaves/stalks?
Good answer above! Just remember leaves are solar collector, the longer they are green and exposed to the sun, the better job they are doing recharging the (iris) rhizome....or tulip bulb, etc. Many people are a bit anal about garden clean up, wanting everything nice and tidy. I say, let the plants tell you when they are finished by yellowing leaves. Then you can tidy as desired.
Reply:Yes you should be cutting your leaves down on your iris


over wintering of iris borers are a possibility when you leave the stalky leaves standing
Reply:For the best blooms next year do not cut or 'tie-up' leaves until they have turned yellow and begun to die, the leaves are still feeding the bulb for next year. You don't HAVE to cut them off but it may help reduce clean up next spring and reduce bugs and disease. We've had them for many years, you will love their ease of care and they can be easily divided every three years for more flowers.
Reply:yes. you should trim them as your neighbor did after blooming every year.the reason is so the energy the bulb is producing will go towards next years' blooms instead of wasting it on those leaves!
Reply:You should cut them down, we cut them down to the ground over the winter. Cutting them down helps them grow back better the next year.