Grasscycling saves time, money, and conserves natural and human resources. Mowing time is reduced since the bagging and disposal of clippings is eliminated. Not to mention no more bags! Grass clippings add beneficial organic matter to the soil, which provides free fertilizer and produces healthy, green lawns. Grasscycling reduces turf grass fertilizer and water requirements, which can minimize toxic runoff entering storm drains and polluting lakes, creeks, and rivers.
Grasscycling also reduces the amount of yard waste disposed in our local landfill thereby saving the county money. Research has shown that lawns can generate approximately 300 pounds of grass clippings per 1000 square feet annually. This can be as much as 6 1/2 tons per acre each year! Grass clippings are too valuable to throw away, and grasscycling allows this green material to be reused in our urban landscapes.
Historically, folks have been informed that one must remove grass from the lawn to reduce thatch and to have a healthy lawn. To the contrary, this process would do exactly the opposite. There are many conspiracy theories why this all began. Just remember, leave your clippings on your lawn to settle in to nurture itself.
Many people treat their lawns like a "crop:" they (over) water and (over) fertilize their lawns to encourage excessive growth. The "harvested crop" (grass clippings) is then bagged and disposed. Proper mowing, watering, and fertilizing practices result in more moderate turf growth, yet still produce a healthy, green lawn. Grasscycling can be practiced on any healthy lawn as long as the following turf management guidelines are followed.
Proper mowing is required for successful grasscycling. It is best to cut grass when the surface is dry, and keep mower blades sharp. Dull blades can shred grass and create a potential entryway for disease. Follow the "1/3 rule:" by mowing the lawn often enough so that no more than 1/3 of the length of the grass blade is removed in any one mowing. Proper mowing will produce short clippings that will not cover up the grass surface. You may have to cut the lawn more frequently, or double cut, when the lawn is growing fast, such as in the spring, but much less when the turf is growing slowly. Additionally, raising the mowing height in the summer encourages deeper roots and protects grass from drought and heat damage.
You can grasscycle with most any mower. Refer to your owner's manual or contact a local lawnmower dealer to learn if you can safely grasscycle with your existing mower. You may need to purchase a retrofit kit, and your mower dealer can assist you in selecting the correct one. Mulching or recycling mowers make grasscycling easy by cutting grass blades in to small pieces and forcing them into the soil. You may also want to consider purchasing an electric mulching mower to reduce air pollution.
Remember to reduce, reuse, and recycle to “Trash Douglas County Less”. For more information, visit us online at http://www.recyclepower.org/
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