WHAT IS IT?
Grasscycling is a term created by lawn care professionals that describes the natural recycling of grass clippings by simply leaving them on the lawn after mowing. The grass plant's nutrients are then recycled into the soil with the added benefit of helping lawns become healthier.

By encouraging grasscycling, we have the potential to save more than 10 percent of the total municipal landfill space. This is a tremendous achievement when we consider that only paper, at 35.6 percent, takes up more landfill space than yard waste.

Grasscycling is an opportunity for the individual citizen to make a difference in protecting the environment. Unlike recycling programs for paper, glass and plastic, grasscycling can be undertaken by each homeowner on his own turf - with no added costs - and many savings.

IS IT GOOD FOR THE LAWN?
Grasscycling is sound turfgrass management. The return of grass clippings to the lawn and to the soil has always been considered by turf experts as a natural step in the proper maintenance of a lawn.

University tests prove that grass clippings are 85 percent water and break down quickly, returning 20 percent of the nitrogen to the soil. A mowing season's worth of clippings is equal to about one application of a commercial fertilizer. And studies show that clippings don't create a thatch problem. Thatch is caused by mowing too low, watering frequently and lightly, and using a high-percentage of fast-release fertilizer.

Thatch is a layer of dead grass and debris that accumulates on the surface of the soil. A half-inch layer of thatch is beneficial because it helps hold moisture in the earth, and because it cushions the ground to help prevent compaction. But a thicker layer of thatch can cause serious problems by blocking the movement of air, water and nutrients to grass roots.

MOWING TIPS
Thatch is not a problem in a properly mowed lawn. Letting the grass grow too high, then cutting it too low (scalping), violates the One-Third Rule - mow only one-third of the height of a grass blade in any one mowing. When following the One-Third Rule, every mower is a mulching mower because the clippings are short enough to break down fast and disappear.

If a rainy season or a vacation trip interferes with the One-Third Rule, then a mulching mower can make long clippings into short ones by holding them in the mowing chamber longer.

Convertible-type mulching mowers can adapt to the changing needs of a lawn. You can mulch in spring when grass grows fast and high side discharge or mulch in summer when growth slows down. When in doubt, mow on the high side.

10 REASONS TO GRASSCYCLE

1. Grasscycling improves lawn quality.
2. Grasscycling saves time and work.
3. Clippings contribute only .03 inches of thatch per year.
4. Grass clippings won't damage lawns.
5. Grasscycling does not spread lawn disease.
6. Clippings are too wet to incinerate.
7. Lawn care services recommend grasscycling.
8. All lawn mowers can grasscycle.
9. Collecting clippings is becoming more expensive.
10. Grasscycling is a responsible environmental practice.

Turfgrasses are environmentally important. They cool and clean our environment, protect soils and groundwaters, absorb noise and carbon dioxide while providing beautiful and superior recreational surfaces. Grasscycling provides an environmentally important opportunity for citizens to participate in curbside waste reduction.

NOTE: Grasscycling may not be an option in extremely dry climates. Clippings may be better used in a home compost pile in arid areas.

"At Pike Nurseries, our Certified Nursery Professionals are always ready to assist you with the finest in quality, service and selection." - William L. "Pete" Pike

Copyright 1991 Pike Nurseries, Inc. Quotation not permitted. Material may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form whatsoever.