What
is grasscycling?
Grasscycling is a method of lawn care where grass clippings from each
mowing are left on the lawn to settle down into the soil. Electric
mulching mowers are designed to chop grass clippings into tiny bits and
blow them into the turf where they break down quickly and provide
nutrients and moisture. Push or reel lawn mowers can also be used in
grasscycling, but the length of the clippings will be longer than with a
mulch mower, and the clippings may take longer to settle into the soil.
Step-By-Step
Guide To Grasscycling
Proper mowing is required for successful grasscycling. It is best to cut
grass when the ground is dry. Keep the mower blade sharp so that the grass
is cut smooth and not ragged. Follow the “1/3
rule”: mow the lawn often enough so that no more than 1/3
of the length of the grass blade is removed in any one mowing.
Proper mowing will produce short clippings that will not cover up the
grass surface. You may have to cut a little more frequently, every
6 to 7 days.
You
can grasscycle with most mowers. The mower collection bag can be removed
to allow clippings to drop on the lawn. Be sure not to compromise your
mower’s safety system. If your mower does not have a safety flap
covering where the bag fits into the chute, or a plug for the chute,
contact your local retailer to purchase a retrofit kit. If you are
considering a new mower there are many mulching mowers on the market now.
Benefits
of Grasscycling
It seemed like a good idea in the 1950’s: Attaching a grass catcher to
your mower and throwing the clippings away. As it turns out, leaving those
clippings over the lawn is actually better for the lawn, the environment
and YOU!
Grasscycling
cuts the amount of yard waste going to landfills. You can help save air
and energy resources by reducing mowing time and eliminating the need to
haul grass clippings to the land-fill. Reducing fertilizer and water usage
means less runoff from your lawn that can lead to surface and groundwater
pollution. Grasscycling yields a significant refund in time and money.
Eliminate bagging and hauling bags to the curb and save up to 40% of your
mowing time.
THE
PROFESSIONAL LAWN CARE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA RECOMMENDS GRASSCYCLING FOR
BEAUTIFUL AND HEALTHY LAWNS!
|
