By Rashida White, Department of Public Works and Transportation
Warmer weather is here, which means we are well into lawn mowing season. We have a tip that will help you save time and contribute to a healthier environment: grasscycling!
Grasscycling is the natural recycling of grass by leaving clippings on the lawn when mowing. Grass clippings decompose quickly, returning valuable nutrients back to the soil. It’s not just great for your lawn but it also helps reduce the need for Baltimore County to collect and process yard material, thereby reducing pollution and saving tax dollars. Here are five keys to successfully grasscycling:
Cut It While It's Dry
Always mow your lawn when it’s dry. If the grass is wet, the clippings will clump under the mower and won’t be able to filter down to the soil.
Prep the Ground
Remove excessive thatch before leaving your clippings on the lawn. A thick layer will keep clippings from reaching the soil.
The Cutting Edge
Use a sharp mower blade. The sharper the blade, the finer the clippings, and the faster they decompose.
Cut It High and Let It Lie
Never cut more than one third of the length off the grass blade in one mowing. Keep your grass mowed to 2 inches in the spring, gradually raising the height to 3 to 4 inches by summer, then reduce to 2 inches by late fall.
Don't Overfertilize
Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn. If it becomes too dense with growth, your clippings won’t be able to reach the soil to decompose.
Still have reservations? You can start off by collecting your clippings every third time you mow or every other time, but give it a try! With the right attention, your lawn should be able to recycle its clippings and retain its good health.