If the plants food producing mechanism is deprived, leaf and root growth are reduced accordingly In all grasses, the volume of leaf removed has a direct effect on the growth of new roots. Roots are the vital supply lines of moisture and minerals to the leaves. Perennial plants store food in the roots after seasonal growth. They use these reserves to live while dormant, to make the first new growth the next spring, and to start new growth after green leaves and stems are closely grazed at any time during the growing season. A grass plant produces twice the volume of leaves it needs to complete its growth and remain productive.
All plants have growing points where new cells are developed.
The growing points of grass are located just above the last complete joints of each stem. Early in the season, the growing points are situated at the base of the plant As the season progresses, the joints of most species elongate and push upward to produce a seed stalk. At this time, the growing point is elevated and in a vulnerable position. Removal of this point by grazing or mowing forces the plant to send up new leaves from the base plant and to start over as if it were spring. This causes additional drain on root reserves and can weaken the plant.