Grass Clippings
In the late 1900's the "mulching
mower" was introduced. These mowers were designed to grind-up clippings
and deposit them on the lawn surface, as opposed to just blowing them
out or removing them with a collection bag.
This design was probably
sparked by two things; 1) the dwindling amount of landfill space caused
new restrictions on dumping grass clippings, and 2) the realization that
clippings are beneficial for a lawn in most situations.
The only times mulching isn't a good idea is: 1) when the grass is too
long or wet to mulch well, and results in wet clumps or windrows, and 2)
when the lawn has a thatch build-up problem.
Learn more about thatch.
Mulching Mowers
The key to effective use of a mulching mower is mowing often enough, and
attempting to mow when grass blades are dry. Dry grass cuts better and
mulches better. As with any other lawnmowing method, you shouldn't
remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade while mowing, since it can shock
the grass and cause all top growth at the expense of roots. See more on
these mowing principles at the
mowing page.
Don't try to mow your lawn short like
a
golf green. Yours is a different variety
of grass and it needs to be cut much
taller. And always remember:
Taller grass = Deeper roots
Most refuse haulers no longer pick-up grass clippings with your weekly
trash due to the large volume of green waste created by weekly mowing.
For those who still bag their grass clippings, composting is another
viable alternative. It's usually recommended not to compost clippings
that have been treated with herbicides or insecticides, especially if
they will later be placed around plants in the vegetable garden.
Composting
Grass Clippings
One of the greatest difficulties with composting grass clippings is
controlling odor. It's best not to pile fresh clippings too high since
they are more likely to create a bad smell. Frequent turning-over of
compost piles aids composting and reduces odor, as does mixing in small
amounts of soil with the clippings.
Short course on lawn
diseases
Thatching your lawn
Tips on mowing your
lawn
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