Second, studies show that it takes less overall time to mow more often and leave clippings on the lawn than it does to mow weekly and bag clippings. Even with mulching mowers that finely chop clippings, mowing more frequently results in less turf stress and allows the mower to work more efficiently. The resulting clippings will be smaller, so they drop into the lawn more easily. This is necessary for two reasons.įirst, grass plants undergo less stress when the amount clipped is short compared to the amount remaining. ![]() When grass is growing rapidly in the spring, this may mean mowing every five days instead of waiting a full week. Mow frequently enough that no more than one-third of the grass blade is removed. To prevent grass from matting over the winter, some people lower the height to 1 1/2 inches for the last mowing in the fall. Lawns are most healthy when mowed at 2 1/2 to 3 inches, leaving the clippings on the lawn. Returning clippings reduces the amount of supplemental nitrogen fertilizer required by lawns but does not eliminate it entirely. When returned to the lawn, clippings recycle nutrients in an organic, slow-release form that promotes steady grass growth. Clippings contain nitrogen and other nutrients. Nitrogen is the fertilizer nutrient most used by turf. See fact sheet 7.202, Lawn Care, for more information on thatch management. Regular core cultivation (aeration) is the best way to prevent thatch. Grass clippings break down quickly and encourage the beneficial earthworms and microorganisms that maintain healthy grass and healthy soil. A healthy population of microorganisms and earthworms in the soil can digest thatch. Thatch is a brown, spongy material consisting of dead grass stems and roots.Įxcessive thatch is undesirable because it prevents water and air from penetrating to grass roots. The idea that clippings left on lawns will cause thatch has been disproven. An alternative is to leave clippings on the lawn, which saves labor and promotes a healthy lawn. Disposal is inconvenient and expensive and takes up space in landfills. ![]() Proper lawn care requires regular mowing and produces large quantities of heavy grass clippings. Clippings left on the lawn means no bagging and hauling, saving both human and fuel energy.Nutrients in the clippings are recycled into the lawn, promoting steady grass growth.Clippings break down quickly and encourage beneficial microorganisms and earthworms.Leave clippings on the lawn for healthier grass.One thousand square feet of bluegrass lawn generates about 200 pounds of clippings annually 75 percent or 150 pounds of this is water.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |