Provides an adequate substitute for burning for long-term, annual, or biennial maintenance. Controlling annual and biennial weeds and preventing weeds from producing seed in 1st and 2nd years. Stimulates growth by removing the previous year's vegetation. Protects the young prairie plants over winter. Holds snow as insulation.
Plant stems protect soil from rapid temperature fluctuations that cause frost-heaving.
Rake mowings immediately to expose soil. Exposed soil encourages soil warming and prairie plant growth.