About Grasscycling

Grasscycling is a method of lawn care where grass clippings from each mowing are left on the lawn to settle down into the soil. Electric mulching mowers are designed to chop grass clippings into tiny bits and blow them into the turf where they break down quickly and provide nutrients and moisture. Push or reel lawn mowers can also be used in grasscycling, but the length of the clippings will be longer than with a mulch mower, and the clippings may take longer to settle into the soil. View a flyer on grasscycling (PDF).

Step-By-Step Guide To Grasscycling

Proper mowing is required for successful grasscycling. It is best to cut grass when the ground is dry. Keep the mower blade sharp so that the grass is cut smooth and not ragged. Follow the “1/3 rule”: mow 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 a little more frequently, every 6 to 7 days.

You can grasscycle with most mowers. The mower collection bag can be removed to allow clippings to drop on the lawn. Be sure not to compromise your mower’s safety system. If your mower does not have a safety flap covering where the bag fits into the chute, or a plug for the chute, contact your local retailer to purchase a retrofit kit. If you are considering a new mower there are many mulching mowers on the market now.

Benefits of Grasscycling

It seemed like a good idea in the 1950’s: Attaching a grass catcher to your mower and throwing the clippings away. As it turns out, leaving those clippings over the lawn is actually better for the lawn, the environment and YOU!

Grasscycling cuts the amount of yard waste going to landfills. You can help save air and energy resources by reducing mowing time and eliminating the need to haul grass clippings to the land-fill. Reducing fertilizer and water usage means less runoff from your lawn that can lead to surface and groundwater pollution. Grasscycling yields a significant refund in time and money. Eliminate bagging and hauling bags to the curb and save up to 40% of your mowing time.

The Professional Lawn Care Association of America recommends grasscycling for beautiful and healthy lawns!