Question
Good Afternoon:  We have a problem which seems to stem from grass
cuttings that seem to sprout and take root in our mulched gardens and
shrubs.  It has become quite a chore in constantly pulling up these grass
roots.  My husband contends that they are not from the cuttings as they are
dead. Could you please tell me why this is happening.  We have xeriscaped
our lawn and gardens and we are also using a push mower. Thank you for
your attention to this matter.

Answer
Hi Arlene,

It's highly unlikely that any of the clippings are causing the problem.  Grass can generate new plants through seed or tillers known as rhizomes or stolons.  Think about it for a second.... If grass could regenerate through clippings, why ever buy seed?  Just collect the clippings from a mowing and mix them into some soil in the bare lawn patches, right?  

The clippings are not capable of generating new plants, BUT the rhizomes I spoke of are.  They travel underground and pop up new plants in nearby bare spots.  This is most likely the cause of your problem.

It's unfortunate that I have to give you this answer, but you're just going to have to keep pulling unless you want to resort to periodic "RoundUp" applications.  Since you've taken the trouble to xeriscape (BIG thumbs up from me on that!), I doubt you'll be breaking out the chemicals.

The only other option is to surround the bed with a 6 - 8 inch deep protective barrier.  That would keep most of the underground rhizomes from getting in there.  It would be a pain to put in, but would probably save your back in the long run.

Good luck!  Let me know how it goes.

-C.J. Brown
www.TheLawnCoach.com