Home > Lawn Care > Grasscycling

 

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. As it decomposes, 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.

 

Studies show that clippings don't contribute to thatch problems.  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 problems by blocking the movement of air, water and nutrients to grass roots. Thatch is caused by mowing too low, watering frequently and lightly, and using a high-percentage of fast-release fertilizer.

 

MOWING TIPS
For best results, always abide by the One-Third Rule. Mow only one-third of the height of a grass blade in any one mowing.   Letting the grass grow too high, then cutting it too low (scalping), violates this rule and leaves you with ugly, browned-out grass. When following the One-Third Rule, every mower is a mulching mower because the clippings are short enough to break down fast and disappear. Thatch is not a problem in a properly mowed lawn. 

To prevent your lawn from getting in a rut (literally), switch lawn mowing patterns and alternate the direction in which you mow each time you mow your lawn. If your lawnmower wheels pass over the same area in the same direction each time you mow, they will form ruts over time.

 

Timing is also important. To prevent the introduction of diseases and avoid personal injury, do not mow when the grass is wet. Mowing the grass in the evening puts less stress on the lawn than mowing it in the afternoon when the sun is blazing down. 

Last but certainly not least, make sure that your lawnmower is in good condition and the blades are sharp. Dull blades tear and shred the grass, making it easier for disease organisms to enter. Always make clean, neat cuts.    

 

1. Grasscycling is “green”. It is a sound environmental practice. 

2. Grasscycling saves time, money, and protects the environment. Mowing time is reduced since the bagging and disposal of clippings is eliminated.

3.  Grass clippings add beneficial organic matter to the soil. It’s like free fertilizer! 

4. Grasscycling reduces fertilizer and water requirements. It minimizes toxic runoff from entering storm drains and polluting streams, lakes and other water sources. 

5. Grasscycling reduces the amount of yard waste disposed in landfills, up to 6 ½ tons per acre each year!

 

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