{"id":120845,"date":"2026-05-20T13:21:38","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T16:21:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=120845"},"modified":"2026-05-20T14:55:48","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T17:55:48","slug":"how-to-prevent-lawn-mower-blight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-prevent-lawn-mower-blight\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prevent Lawn Mower Blight"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;ve noticed scrapes or missing bark at the base of a tree in your yard, lawn mower blight is likely the cause.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fix is straightforward once you know what&#8217;s happening: Keep mowers and string trimmers away from the trunk. This guide walks you through what the damage looks like, why it&#8217;s dangerous, and how to prevent lawn mower blight with methods that actually work.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Protecting trees while mowing takes attention every single time and it&#8217;s easy for a rushed weekend mow to undo months of careful prevention. That&#8217;s why many homeowners hire one of LawnStarter&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=mowing\">lawn mowing pros<\/a> instead.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 Lawn mower blight is bark damage from repeated mower or trimmer contact, and it can kill a tree if left unchecked.<br>\u2022 A mulch ring around tree bases and using hand shears instead of string trimmers near trunks are the most effective prevention methods.<br>\u2022 If less than 25% of the trunk&#8217;s bark is damaged, the tree can likely recover with proper care.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-9b76a73d-2e97-434f-be3d-6d502cb7e506\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">Table of Contents<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-prevent-lawn-mower-blight\/#0-what-is-lawn-mower-blight\" style=\"\">What Is Lawn Mower Blight?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-prevent-lawn-mower-blight\/#3-how-lawn-mower-blight-harms-your-trees\" style=\"\">How Lawn Mower Blight Harms Your Trees<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-prevent-lawn-mower-blight\/#5-how-to-prevent-lawn-mower-blight\" style=\"\">How to Prevent Lawn Mower Blight<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-prevent-lawn-mower-blight\/#14-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-what-is-lawn-mower-blight\">What Is Lawn Mower Blight?<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lawn mower blight is physical damage to tree bark caused by repeated contact with lawn mowers or string trimmers,<\/strong> and it&#8217;s more common than most homeowners realize. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is not a disease you can spray for, but mechanical injury that builds up over time, quietly weakening the tree until the damage becomes impossible to ignore.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/what-is-lawn-mower-blight\/\" rel=\"bookmark\" class=\"text0-black visited:text-black\">What is Lawn Mower Blight?<\/a><\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-what-causes-lawn-mower-blight\">What Causes Lawn Mower Blight?<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It happens when the deck of a lawn mower or the string of a string trimmer repeatedly bumps, scrapes, or cuts the bark at the base of a tree trunk. Like any repeated wound, the damage accumulates over time.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Young, thin-barked trees are especially vulnerable (on smooth-barked species like maples, bark can be <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/equipment-damage-to-trees\/\">under 1\/16 inch<\/a> thick), but repeated damage can harm even mature trees.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Around trees, even experienced mowing pros need to slow down. Commercial string trimmers cut quickly, and a single pass too close to a trunk can damage bark. If you outsource your mowing, ask your crew how they handle the area near trees.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-what-does-lawn-mower-blight-look-like\">What Does Lawn Mower Blight Look Like?<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check the base of the trunk, right at the height where a mower deck or trimmer would make contact. The severity of the signs indicates how much intervention your tree needs:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Damage Level<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>What You&#8217;ll See<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Tree Prognosis<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Minor<\/td><td>Small scrapes, slight bark peeling<\/td><td>Tree will recover with care<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Moderate<\/td><td>Exposed wood, discoloration, cuts<\/td><td>Needs immediate attention<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Severe<\/td><td>Girdling, deep gashes, wilting leaves<\/td><td>May not survive<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over time, you might also notice <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/signs-your-tree-is-dying\/\">signs your tree is dying<\/a>, like yellowing or wilting leaves, reduced growth, or branch dieback.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-how-lawn-mower-blight-harms-your-trees\">How Lawn Mower Blight Harms Your Trees<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/AdobeStock_349024625.jpeg\" alt=\"Person riding a red lawn mower across a green yard with trees and flower beds in bright daylight.\" class=\"wp-image-120840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/AdobeStock_349024625.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/AdobeStock_349024625-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/AdobeStock_349024625-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/AdobeStock_349024625-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lawn mower on grass. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/top-down-above-view-of-professional-lawn-mower-worker-cutting-fresh-green-grass-with-landcaping-tractor-equipment-machine-at-city-park-garden-and-backyard-landscape-lawnmower-service-and-maintenance\/349024625?asset_id=349024625\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kirill Gorlov<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few scrapes might not seem like a big deal, but they compromise the tree&#8217;s most important defense system. The outer bark protects a critical layer just beneath it called the <strong>cambium<\/strong>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This thin ring of living cells acts like a highway, moving water and nutrients between the roots and the leaves.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When this layer is damaged, you&#8217;re essentially cutting off the tree&#8217;s lifeline. Mature trees <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/hyg.ipm.illinois.edu\/article.php?id=808\">can take years<\/a> to show decline from cumulative bark damage. This means the damage you&#8217;re causing today may not become visible until it&#8217;s too late to save the tree.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the damage extends all the way around the trunk (a process called girdling) the tree can no longer move nutrients and will eventually die.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even smaller wounds create an open door for pests and diseases to invade, essentially creating <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/zombie-dying-trees\/\">zombie trees<\/a> that rot from the inside out while still appearing alive.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-can-lawn-mower-blight-be-fixed\">Can Lawn Mower Blight Be Fixed?<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>If less than 25% of the bark around the tree trunk is damaged, your tree will likely bounce back.<\/strong> Make sure to give it the right amount of water, balanced fertilizer, and prune any damaged branches.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>If the injury goes all the way around the trunk, the tree might not survive. <\/strong>In cases like this, consult a certified arborist to determine whether the tree can be saved.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-save-a-dying-tree\/\">How to Save a Dying Tree<\/a><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-how-to-prevent-lawn-mower-blight\">How to Prevent Lawn Mower Blight<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Preventing lawn mower blight comes down to one principle: put distance or a physical barrier between your mower and the tree trunk. Here are seven ways to do it:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Prevention Method<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Best For<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Difficulty<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Eliminate weeds from tree base<\/td><td>All tree types<\/td><td>Easy<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Install edging<\/td><td>Permanent protection<\/td><td>Moderate<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Add mulch layer<\/td><td>All tree types<\/td><td>Easy<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mow carefully<\/td><td>Quick fix<\/td><td>Easy<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Use hand shears<\/td><td>Small areas near trunk<\/td><td>Easy<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Install tree cage<\/td><td>High-traffic mowing areas<\/td><td>Moderate<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Apply tree wrap<\/td><td>Young or thin-barked trees<\/td><td>Easy<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-eliminate-weeds-from-the-tree-base-\">Eliminate Weeds from the Tree Base&nbsp;<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first step is to <strong>remove any grass and weeds growing too close to the trunk.<\/strong>&nbsp;This eliminates the need to bring mowing equipment near the tree in the first place.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Marianne C. Ophardt, a horticulture specialist at Washington State University, recommends creating at least a 12-inch &#8220;weed-free zone&#8221; around the base of your trees.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-install-edging-\">Install Edging&nbsp;<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/AdobeStock_356663086.jpeg\" alt=\"Green plastic lawn edging around a tree base\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Green plastic lawn edging around a tree base. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/green-plastic-lawn-edge-tape-for-flowerbed-and-tree-edging\/356663086?asset_id=356663086\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ronstik<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you&#8217;ve removed the weeds,&nbsp;<strong>edge the area to clearly define the boundary and make it harder for mower blades to accidentally hit the trunk<\/strong>.&nbsp;Bricks, concrete, vinyl, or cedar board are typically better choices than metal or plastic, which can bend or break over time.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re handy, DIY edging is an option. Otherwise, it&#8217;s worth calling a pro who can dig around roots without damaging them. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/cost\/landscape-edging-cost\/\">Professional edging costs <\/a>between $3.50 and $8.80 per linear foot. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/garden-edging-ideas-tips\/#1-types-of-garden-edging-materials\">Garden Edging 101: Ideas and Tips for DIY Installation<\/a><\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-add-a-layer-of-mulch-\">Add a Layer of Mulch&nbsp;<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next step is to add some mulch&nbsp;<strong>to the weed-free area<\/strong>. You can use wood chips, compost, straw, or shredded bark. Many of which you can source as free mulch.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For hardwood trees, mulching can also <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/agebb.missouri.edu\/agforest\/archives\/v20n1\/gh2.php\">increase tree growth<\/a> by 26% to 29% compared to bare ground, and nearly double growth compared to trees competing with surrounding grass or weeds.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Richard Jauron, a horticulture expert from Iowa State University, recommends adding a layer of 2 to 4 inches of mulch. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep mulch 3 to 6 inches from the trunk. Stacking mulch against the trunk \u2014 a common mistake known as &#8220;volcano mulching&#8221; \u2014 traps moisture and harms the tree. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;That can result in crown rot or root rot, and then that encourages voles,&#8221; says Chuck Vogt, owner of Metro Lawns in Atlanta. &#8220;When voles have a place to hide, they&#8217;ll start feeding right there on the roots of the plant, and that causes more damage.&#8221;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-mulch-around-trees\/\">How to Mulch Around Trees<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/where-to-get-free-mulch\/\" rel=\"bookmark\" class=\"text0-black visited:text-black\">Where to Get Free Mulch<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-mow-carefully-\">Mow Carefully&nbsp;<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If creating a clear area around your trees sounds like too much hassle, you can prevent lawn mower blight by simply mowing carefully. Stay a safe mowing distance of several inches from the trunk.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">String trimmers operating at full speed can flay bark in a single pass. Even brief, accidental contact removes the protective outer layer the tree needs to survive.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A push mower or smaller deck gives you better control around tight spots.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-mow-a-lawn\/\" rel=\"bookmark\" class=\"text0-black visited:text-black\">How to Mow Your Lawn: A No-Nonsense Guide<\/a><\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-trim-grass-with-hand-shears\">Trim Grass with Hand Shears<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While you might want to grab a string trimmer for tall grass around your tree, it&#8217;s better to avoid it. String trimmers work well around signs and poles, but the nylon line easily nicks tree bark.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, <strong>use hand shears to trim the grass that<\/strong>&#8216;<strong>s near your tree<\/strong>&#8216;s base.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/reviews\/best-garden-shears\/\">Best Garden Shears<\/a> <\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-cage-your-trees-\">Cage Your Trees&nbsp;<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another option is to <strong>build a protective cage around your trees<\/strong>.&nbsp;It&#8217;s not the prettiest solution (think chicken wire around the base, not a decorative fence), but it creates a hard physical stop that keeps mower blades completely clear of the trunk.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s how to do it:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Get your materials:<\/strong> Use a sturdy wire mesh or heavy-duty plastic fencing that&#8217;s at least 12 inches tall.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Clear the area around the trunk base:<\/strong> You&#8217;ll need at least a 3-inch space free of grass and weeds.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Secure the cage:<\/strong> Install the fencing in the ground and use stakes if needed. Make sure it doesn&#8217;t touch the tree trunk. That&#8217;ll trap moisture against the bark.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-use-a-tree-wrap-\">Use a Tree Wrap&nbsp;<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tree wraps can also protect your trees from lawn mower blight,<\/strong>&nbsp;especially if they&#8217;re young or thin-barked trees.&nbsp;Tree wrap is a commercial product,  typically fabric, paper, or corrugated material, that you spiral around the lower trunk.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tree wrap rolls are inexpensive. You can buy a 3-inch by 50-foot roll for about $19. However, proper&nbsp;tree wrap&nbsp;use requires seasonal removal during the growing season to prevent moisture buildup.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/tree-wrap-what-it-is-why-to-use-it-and-how\/\">Tree Wrap: What It is, Why to Use It, and How<\/a><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13-when-to-hire-a-pro\">When to Hire a Pro<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Protecting your trees while mowing takes attention every single time. One rushed weekend mow, one careless pass with a string trimmer, and months of careful prevention can be undone in seconds.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The damage compounds quietly. By the time wilting leaves or branch dieback show up, the cambium underneath the bark may already be beyond repair. And if girdling occurs, even a mature tree can be lost.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most reliable way to keep lawn mower blight from ever happening is to let a trained pro handle the mowing. LawnStarter&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=mowing\">lawn mowing pros<\/a> stay well clear of trunks and surface roots.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14-faqs\">FAQs<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17788409473174336\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What Is the Difference Between Lawn Mower Blight and Lawn &#8220;Blights&#8221;?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><strong>Lawn mower blight<\/strong> is physical bark damage to tree trunks caused by mowing equipment. Lawn blights are turf diseases that affect grass. The most common is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/pythium-blight\/\">Pythium blight<\/a>, which shows up as dark, greasy patches that turn reddish-brown.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17788409473175892\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">When Is the Best Time to Install Lawn Mower Blight Barriers Around Trees?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><strong>The best time to install protective barriers like cages or wraps is in early spring<\/strong>, just before the growing season kicks off. Setting them up while trees are still dormant&nbsp;means they won&#8217;t be disturbed as growth begins.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17788409473171772\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can Lawn Mower Blight Spread Between Trees?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No. Lawn mower blight is a mechanical injury, not a disease, so it doesn\u2019t spread from tree to tree. However, the same mowing and trimming habits can cause similar bark damage to multiple trees in the same yard.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: Tree damaged by weed eater. Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/tree-bark-damage-caused-from-weed-eater\/373334455\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lost_in_the_Midwest<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To prevent lawn mower blight, keep mowers away from tree trunks, trim overgrowth, mulch, and install edging.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":164,"featured_media":149749,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[9],"class_list":["post-120845","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-2","tag-lawn-care"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/tree-damaged-by-weed-eater.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Tatiana 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