Recycle Clippings

Contrary to popular belief, grass clippings will not damage your lawn if you leave them on the lawn after mowing. When done correctly, recycling clippings can be beneficial, mainly because of the nutrients they provide upon decomposing. You can reduce the amount of fertilizer applied to the lawn by as much as 1/3 when you recycle clippings. You can also reduce time and labor spent bagging, and save valuable landfill space by recycling clippings.

Clippings do not contribute to thatch build-up; clippings decompose very quickly. For clippings to break down rapidly, the lawn should be mowed frequently enough that large amounts of leaf residue do not remain on the surface of the turf. Weekly mowing often is not frequent enough, especially during the peak period of leaf growth in spring. As a rule of thumb, no more than one third of the leaf blade should be removed during mowing. So, to maintain a 2½- to 3-inch mowing height, mow when grass reaches 4 inches tall.

Try to avoid mowing when wet. If mounds of clippings are left on the lawn, they can detract from the appearance and may smother grass trying to grow underneath. You can mow back over clumps to redistribute them. Mulching mowers are handy, but not necessary, when recycling clippings. Mulching mowers chop the clippings into smaller pieces that filter down easily among the grass blades.

Instead of bagging, let clippings lay. You'll save yourself work and add useful nutrients and organic matter to the lawn.

Article provided by: http:www.solutions.psu.edu