Save time and money this spring by "grasscycling"-leaving grass clippings on the lawn to break down and feed the soil. Studies show that grasscycling improves lawn rooting depth, disease and drought resistance, provides free fertilizer, and doesn't cause thatch. You save money on water, fertilizer and yard waste disposal, and save the time and energy it takes to bag and drag clippings to the curb.
Mowing Tips:
- Mow when the grass is dry, and keep mower blades sharp.
- Raise mowing heights or mow more frequently during fast spring growth.
- Water and fertilize less-save when you grasscycle!
Shopping Tips:
You can grasscycle with your conventional mower. Just leave the bag off and let the clippers drop--earthworms will compost them. When it's time to buy a new mower, look for a "mulching" mower. Check the most recent June issue of Consumer Reports for mulching mower ratings, or call the Garden Hotline to find out where to buy a mulching mower.
Push mowers are quiet and inexpensive. They do a great job of grasscycling because they scatter clippings to break down quickly into the soil.
Electric mulching mowers come either with a cord or with a rechargeable battery--no cord. They're quiet, non-polluting, and low maintenance. They chop clippings finely into mulch and blow it down into the lawn, where it breaks down quickly and feeds the soil, so clippings won't be tracked in by pets and kids. The lawn looks as clean as if it were bagged, but you get free fertilizer and less work!
Gas mulching mowers are more powerful and may be a good choice if you have a very large lawn. Some convert easily from mulching to bagging. Look for 4-cycle mowers--you don't have to mix gas and oil, and they run much cleaner.
No comments:
Post a Comment