mowing around walnuts

[OneWithWood]

Well this year I was occupied with way too many projects so I let the walnut plantation go.  I have just 200 trees planted on 10' centers.  The trees were planted five years ago and the best ones are about 12' tall.  In the past I kept the grass mowed between the trees.  This year I did not mow at all so there is a good growth of grass under the trees.  My question is; Would the trees be better served by mowing the grass now, or should I let it go until late spring?  I suppose it is a trade off of providing the rabbits with cover to gnaw on the trees or risk drying the bark out by exposing it to the wind after being sheltered all summer.

[jrdwyer]

Don't underestimate the power of rabbits to damage or destroy small diameter trees. Unless you have some other means to control the chewing on the walnut trees that will likely occur when it's snowy and frozen outside, then I suggest mowing it now.

[OneWithWood]

Will do.   Thanks, JR.