What do I do about grass clippings?
Question:My lawn mower does not have a mulch feature. I know that it is not good to leave big mounds of clippings from overgrown or wet grass on your lawn since it would smother the grass. But if I mow my lawn a second time, spreading the clippings out that way, it looks fine. Is that okay, or should I rake it up, given that my mower does not "mulch." And.if it must have a mulch feature, is that something that can be added to my mower? I have both a riding mower and a self-propelled push mower.
Answers:
mowing the second time will probably work fine-as long as you don't have 'rows' of clippings left.even then you can let dry a bit then take a fan type rake and turn it over and use it to fan out the piles.clippings left on the lawn will help add needed nutrients.you can check with a mower repair shop about adding a mulcher to your exising mower but easiest way would be to just add a mulching blade
good luck!
A mulching mower has a blade and body or deck that is specifically designed to mulch. If your mower is not designed to mulch, you may get by with adding only a mulching blade. The best answer can come from your local mower repair shop. just give them a call.
You should rake up the clippings.Your grass could turn yellow and eventually die.You have to buy the lawn mower with that feature.
The double mowing is good enough. A mulching mower does the same thing, but all at once.
Its a question of the extra time for you.
Double clipping and leaving them on is best for the lawn. Leave the length a bit longer and the 2 will result in a lusher lawn that needs less water. Harder for weed seeds to get to the ground and germinate too.
Mow twice or contact a shop that may have a mulch blade or attachment. Don't try to rake this up, it would take up to 3 times as long as mowing and may cause an allergic reaction.
The real problem with lawn clippings is when they blow or wash away into the street, down the storm drain and into the nearest body of water where they can negatively affect the water quality. However, If your clippings stay on the lawn then there's no harm leaving them lie (as long as it's not a heavy layer). They will quickly breakdown and will feed nutrients back into the soil, which is good for your grass.
The best bet would be to gather and compost your clippings, along with your autumn leaves, garden trimmings and even kitchen scraps (plant materials only - no meat, dairy or oils). It saves the chore of bagging and recycles material that would otherwise end up in a landfill. You can get fancy with it and buy special containers or tumblers, or just build a pile and let nature do the work - the end result is pretty much the same, and you end up with the best amendment and natural fertilizer for your soil absolutely free! Use it to feed your garden plants and ornamentals.
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