Should You Mulch Grass Clippings?
It was not too long ago when the standard practice was to bag grass clippings, as leaving them on your lawn was thought to contribute to thatch buildup. Besides, the sight of rough, cut grass didn't appeal to many homeowners.
Today, the changing standards favor leaving grass clippings on your lawn as mulch. Studies have shown that grass clippings do not cause thatch, and technological advancements have led to a new class of mulching mowers that cut grass blades into finer pieces that decompose quickly and don't look unsightly.
While bagging is tidier, the benefits of grasscycling—returning the cut grass blades to the soil—far outweigh the disadvantages.
The Benefits of Mulching Grass Clippings to Your Lawn
Like mulching leaves in the fall, lawn clippings restore nutrients, add organic matter to the soil, and save you time than bagging and disposing of the clippings. A mulch layer also aids in retaining soil moisture and suppressing weed growth.
Recycle Nutrients Back to the Soil
Grass clippings are rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which are also found in commercial lawn fertilizers. Leaving the clippings on your lawn to decompose over time recycles these nutrients into the soil. This process is an organic way to supplement your fertilizing efforts, contributing to healthier grass growth and development.
Retain Moisture
A layer of grass clippings used as mulch protects the soil from excessive moisture loss from evaporation due to sunlight and wind exposure. By improving water retention, the mulch also aids in water conservation and increases your lawn's resistance to drought. Overall, a healthy layer of mulch encourages a healthier, more resilient lawn.
Save Time and Effort
Leaving grass clippings on your lawn rather than bagging and disposing of them also saves you time and effort. Additionally, using a mulching lawn mower cuts the grass into finer particles, which are then distributed across your lawn as you mow. This approach further reduces the time spent on lawn maintenance, which is particularly helpful in larger lawns.
Suppress Weed Growth
Mulch not only blocks sunlight, preventing weed seeds from germinating but also smothers existing weeds by depriving them of light and space to grow. Additionally, a healthy mulch layer retains soil moisture, inhibiting the growth of many weeds that thrive in dry conditions.
When to Avoid Mulching Grass Clippings
While leaving grass clippings on your lawn for mulching offers many benefits, there are situations where it may be better to bag the clippings instead and add them to your compost pile.
Fungal Disease: Mulching grass clippings when your lawn is affected by a fungal disease may inadvertently reintroduce the disease to your lawn.
Overgrown Grass: Using more than an inch of grass clippings as mulch can contribute to thatch buildup that prevents water and air from reaching the roots. Mow your lawn regularly, and do not remove more than a third of the grass blade length at a time.
Weeds: Any weeds or seeds mixed with the clippings can germinate and spread again later in your lawn with your grass.
Wet Grass: Wet grass clippings tend to clump together, making it difficult for the clippings to break down effectively. They also create an environment conducive to fungal growth.
Chemical Treatments: Clippings from lawns recently treated with pesticides or weed killers can damage your lawn. Wait for at least two mowing sessions after chemical applications before mulching grass clippings.
Best Practices for Mulching Grass Clippings
Continue reading as we conclude with tips on properly mulching grass clippings on your lawn.
Mow Frequently and at the Right Height
Mowing regularly ensures that grass clippings are small enough to mulch and decompose quickly, preventing them from smothering your lawn. It's recommended to mow once a week to maintain your grass at an ideal height, typically between 2-2.5 inches for most warm-season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine, with a maximum of three inches. Aim to keep the grass clippings shorter than an inch for optimal results.
Use the Right Equipment
Push mowers and mulching mowers are effective for mulching grass clippings. Avoid using a dull blade, as it can tear the grass instead of cleanly cutting it, making your lawn more susceptible to diseases. Dull blades can also leave longer clippings that may form clumps.
Spread Clippings Evenly
Distribute the clippings evenly across your lawn, avoiding clumps and rows. You can use a rake or a leaf blower to disperse them. Apply one inch of clippings or less at a time and allow them to dry out for a few days before adding another layer. Adding too much at once can suffocate your grass.
Maintain a Healthy Green Lawn with NutriPod®
While using grass clippings as mulch can be a great natural source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, it may not provide all the necessary nutrients your lawn needs. This is especially true for grass in its establishment stage, such as newly planted grass plugs or actively growing grass. It may require supplemental lawn fertilizer to support its growth, even if you mulch grass clippings on the lawn.
NutriPod® is a type of granular fertilizer that contains a balanced mix of nutrients formulated to support new grass plugs as they establish in their new environment. The granules are encased in dissolvable pods that allow for a controlled release of nutrients, reducing the risks of nutrient leaching and runoff associated with traditional fertilizers. When used alongside mulch, NutriPod® can provide the additional nutrients your lawn needs to thrive.
Visit the NutriPod® website to shop for lawn fertilizers and discover more lawn care tips.
