TOPPING
The process of topping involves cutting grass from 8 to 10 inches back to about 4 inches. When done regularly this has several highly beneficial effects.
- By cutting grass, the growth process is confined to a short plant which encourages it to spread laterally instead of becoming long and spindly.
- Horses are very picky eaters and generally ignore grass over 6 inches long. Topping maintains the sward at a suitable grazing length.
- Topping removes leaves from invasive weeds like docks and thistles. Without their leaves these plants cannot survive. Coupled with the benefits to grass sward development, topping is crucial to weed control.
- By preventing seed head development, topping has 2 major functions. Firstly the spreading of weeds is controlled and secondly the grass continues to grow for a longer period in order try to produce its’ seed, thus providing a longer grazing cycle.
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