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Lawn Care - ful
Garden Tips Newsletter - September 10, 2001

We all have to mow the grass and all too often lately with the recent rains. When mowing, weed-eating, and/or edging be careful not to damage the base of your trees and shrubs. Damage usually occurs when lawnmowers and string trimmers girdle trees and shrubs in turf areas. Sometimes it's hard for homeowners to even know they have damaged the base because the grass often hides the damage. This type of damage can severely weaken young trees/shrubs and affects the movement of water, minerals, and sugars in all trees/shrubs (which affects the health of the plant). The best way to prevent damage is to mulch so that you don't have to come close to the base with a lawnmower or trimmer. Additionally, having a guard or a protective sleeve on the trimmer can prevent injury. If you use a lawn care service, make sure they take preventative measures to guard against injury.

These archived newsletters were written by Dr. Lelia Scott Kelly. Kelly is a Horticulture Specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Her office is in the North Mississippi Research & Extension Center, Verona.