Grasscycling

WHAT IS GRASSCYCLING?

The practice of leaving the clippings on the lawn to decompose.

WHY GRASSCYCLE?

• SAVE the time and trouble of bagging and the expense of yard waste bags or cans.
• PROTECT the environment
• REDUCE refuse and waste by 20% - 40% or more. (Legislation in Michigan restricts yard wastes from being dumped in landfills).
• SAVE the gas and energy required to transport and process the grass clippings.
• REDUCE the need for fertilizer by one-third.
• REDUCE impacts to water quality from erosion and pesticide application.

• BENEFIT the lawn
• PROVIDE moisture and nutrients to soil
• REDUCE the demand for water
• PROVIDE cushioning layers to reduce wear

GRASS CLIPPINGS LEFT ON THE LAWN DO NOT CAUSE THATCH.

Clippings are about 85% water and do not cause thatch. Thatch is the remains of the woody portions of the grass plants and is often the result of over-fertilizing and excessive watering.

CHOOSING A MULCHING LAWN MOWER

Mulching mowers re-circulate the grass within the mowing chamber until they are fine enough to sift deep into the turf. Mulching mowers should have the option to bag the clippings in case the grass is too high.

TIPS FOR MULCHING WITH A NON-MULCHING MOWER
Preferences for mowers and lawn treatment vary among individuals. It is possible that the mower you now own can be used for mulching. Before attempting to use a mower you now own for mulching, consult your local equipment dealer and your owner's manual concerning safe operational practices.

• A mulching blade or an adapter kit may be available for your mower (typical cost: $10 - $40).
• If you have a mower with a trap door over the discharge chute, you may be able to use your mower for mulching.
• Never remove the bag from the mower without assuring protection from flying stones and sticks.
• Manual push mowers with easy-roll wheels do not use gasoline or discharge fumes to the air, and are especially popular for use on small lawns.

TIPS FOR MOWING

• Keep the blade sharp. A dull blade tears the grass tips instead of mulching them.
• Keep the deck clean. Wash the underside of the mower after each use. A clogged deck won't mulch or discharge well.
• Cut the grass high. Adjust the mower blade so that only the top one-third of the grass blade is cut. Taller grass is many times healthier than short grass.
• Cut as often as necessary to insure that only 1/3 of the blade needs to be removed. During times of rapid growth, you may need to mow every 5-6 days.
• Cut when the grass is dry in order to avoid a wet, stick mess on your lawn and inside the mower deck.
• Always keep others, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN, at a safe distance while mowing.

WHEN TO PICK UP THE CLIPPINGS

• If you mow infrequently or if your grass grows vigorously, you should collect the clippings.
• If the clippings are smothering the grass and have not decomposed before the next mowing.
• As the season changes and grass growth becomes less aggressive, you can switch methods and begin leaving the clippings on the lawn.

USING GRASS CLIPPINGS IN THE YARD

If it is necessary to collect grass clippings, consider recycling clippings in your yard. Allow at least three mowings after application of weed control products before using them as mulch.

• Spread clippings over a layer of newspaper in the vegetable or flower garden.
• Use clippings as a mulch under bushes.
• Thoroughly mix grass clippings with leaves and soil in a backyard compost pile.

INFORMATION SOURCES:

Horticulture and Turf Grass Specialists, Michigan State University Extension

Organic Gardening, April 1991, p. 68

Professional Lawn Care Association of America and local lawn equipment companies.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to allwithout regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age,disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status. MSUE-Genesee County is funded jointly by Michigan State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Genesee County Board of Commissioners. MSU is an affirmative-action equal opportunity institution.

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