How to mulch mow
Catch the grass on the first mow of the season (and use the clippings in your compost pile or as mulch). Then, as you mow throughout the season, mow high and let the clippings lie.
Clippings act as free fertilizer, so you not only save the trouble of raking and bagging, you save money on fertilizers. Because the clippings are 75 to 85 percent water, they quickly decompose. And by using less fertilizer you reduce potential pollution runoff into our waterways.
- Mow at the right height. Generally, you should cut your grass to about 3 inches. This shades out weeds, encourages longer roots and healthy turf.
- Mow when the grass is dry. Mowing dry grass allows better distribution of clippings and is less likely to clog the mower.
- Mow regularly. A basic rule of thumb is to remove only 1/3 of the growth at one time. With the mower set at 3 inches, this means you should mow as soon as the grass gets 4-1/2 inches tall. During the spring and on irrigated lawns during the summer, turf grass grows rapidly so you’ll need to mow at least once per week.
- Sharpen mower blades at least once a year. Dull blades can give the lawn a ragged appearance and increase the potential for disease. Consider taking your mower blade or blades to the local mower shop for sharpening.
- When it's time to buy a new mower, consider purchasing a mulching mower. Push reel mowers and electric mowers can also do a good job of grasscycling without the noise and exhaust fumes produced by gasoline-powered mowers.
- Compost or mulch excess grass – or mow twice. If the lawn is too long or wet, you can collect any grass clippings that still clump on top to use in your compost pile or as mulch. Or mow the lawn again in a different direction to chop up the material and keep the lawn looking good without raking or bagging.
Mulch-mowing saves room in your curbside yard debris container for branches or other yard debris that can't compost quickly.
Grass clippings don't cause thatch. Thatch is not made up of grass, but of roots, dead leaf sheaths and rhizomes that decompose slowly. Grass clippings decompose rapidly and can help make your lawn more vigorous and durable. If you do have thatch, you can remove it with a thatch rake or rent a dethatching machine.