"In most cases, thatch increases as mowing height increases. For example, cutting the grass when it is 4 tall to a height of 3 will leave clippings which are approximately 1. "Virtually all research conducted with turf has shown that grass clippings do not increase thatch," Cook said. A rule of thumb is to cut the grass when the clippings will be less than one-third of the remaining grass height. Clippings break down quickly, often in a matter of a few weeks. A sharp blade will also help chop the clippings into smaller pieces as you mow over the lawn time after time.Ī mulching mower works even better, because it is designed to chop up clippings very fine and then deposits them down in the turf canopy.ĭespite rumors to the contrary, clippings do not promote thatch build up. You need to rake them or the grass underneath may be smothered.īe sure the mower blade is sharp and cuts, not tears, your grass. Your grass should be cut often enough so that not more than one-third of the grass blade is removed at any one time.ĭon't leave piles of heavy, wet clippings on the lawn. If clippings are removed, then the only way to keep fertility up is to keep adding more fertilizer." After all, grass clippings are organic and 100 recyclable. "I consider mowing more important than fertilizer if clippings are returned via a mulching mower. If you can resist the temptation to gather up the grass clippings, there are some great benefits to leaving some of it on your lawn. "Frequent mowing, about once a week during the growing season, will have a greater impact on turf quality than any other lawn care practice except irrigation in the summer," he said. If you plan to leave the clippings, mow the lawn often. If you want to encourage wildflowers in your garden, leave your lawn to its own devices, argues Trevor Dines, botanist at conservation charity Plantlife Wed 13.41 EDT Last modified on. 5 percent phosphorus and 2.5-3.5 percent potassium, said Cook. Grass clippings contain up to the equivalent per weight of 3-4 percent nitrogen. "And on lawns growing in clay soils, I have produced acceptable quality turf for as long as 12 years without adding any fertilizer at all." "Our research has shown that we can cut the fertilizer application rate almost in half when we return clippings with a mulching type rotary mower," explained Cook. Leaving clippings helps save fertilizer costs and thereby prevents ground and surface water contamination. Unless you've let the lawn grow excessively long, or the clippings are in thick clumps, grass clippings are a good source of nutrients. Doing so will not only save you time and energy, but will also return valuable nutrients to the lawn. CORVALLIS - In case you've been wondering what to do with your grass clippings, just leave them on the lawn, advises Tom Cook, turf grass specialist at Oregon State University. Recycle the grass clippings by leaving them on the lawn.
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