Removing too many leaves retards forage production and damages the plants root system. Plants eventually die if over harvest of the leaves continues. Root growth is closely related to forage production. Plants maintain their maximum root vigor and growth when no more than half their leaves are removed by grazing or mowing during the growing season. 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.