Mulching is the practice of returning grass clippings to the lawn when mowing. This is a great way to improve your lawn’s health while saving time and money. Mulching grass has many benefits, including:
- Reduces the need for fertilizer. Grass clippings contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential nutrients for healthy lawns. By mulching, you can reduce your reliance on commercial fertilizers.
- Improves soil health. As grass clippings break down, they add organic matter to the soil. This helps to improve the soil’s structure, drainage, and water retention.
- Suppresses weed growth. Grass clippings can help to suppress weed growth by blocking sunlight from reaching the soil. This makes it difficult for weeds to germinate and grow.
- Attracts beneficial insects. Grass clippings can attract beneficial insects, such as earthworms and ladybugs. These insects help to control pests and improve soil health.
- Saves time and money. Mulching is a more efficient way to dispose of grass clippings than bagging them. You can also save money on fertilizer and weed control.
Mulching Grass Clippings
To mulch your grass clippings, simply set your mower to the mulching setting. On some mowers this just means that you remove the bag and/or close the side discharge. This will cause the mower to chop the clippings into small pieces that will be easily incorporated into the soil.
Although there are many benefits of mulch mowing, there are a few times when you shouldn’t do it. Try not to mulch after you have applied any type of treatment to your lawn such as weed treatment, fungicide, etc. to prevent spreading them all over your lawn. Also, by mulch mowing you run the risk of spreading any weed seeds that may get picked up. Having said that, the benefits of mulch mowing outweigh the risks.
Tips On Mulching
- Mow your lawn regularly. The more often you mow, the finer the grass clippings will be, and the easier they will be to mulch.
- Mow your lawn when the grass is dry. Wet grass clippings can mat down and smother the lawn.
- Don’t mulch too much grass at once. A 1/2-inch layer of grass clippings is about the right amount.
Additional Benefits Of Mulching Grass Clippings
- Helps to cool the soil temperature, which can be beneficial in hot weather.
- Helps to retain moisture in the soil, which can help to reduce watering needs.
- Provides an environment for beneficial insects, which can help to control pests.
- Improves the appearance of your lawn.
If you are looking for a way to improve your lawn’s health and save time and money, mulching grass clippings is a great option.
