After mowing the lawn, it’s tempting to bag up grass clippings and send them to the curb. But those clippings are packed with nutrients your yard can actually use. Instead of treating them like waste, consider recycling them right back into your yard.
Grass clippings contain valuable nutrients, many of the ones found in commercial fertilizer, actually, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. So not removing them can improve soil health, reduce waste, and even save you money (and time!).
One important note: If your lawn has been treated with herbicides or contains a significant number of weeds, be cautious about where you use the clippings. Herbicide residues can sometimes affect garden plants, kill beneficial organisms in compost, and spread weed seeds to new areas.
Why Grass Clippings Are Beneficial
Fresh grass clippings are about 80 to 90 percent water and decompose quickly. As they break down, they release nutrients back into the soil, helping feed your lawn and garden naturally.
But that’s not the only benefit. Here are some things clippings do:
- Improve soil structure and moisture retention.
- Reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.
- Add organic matter to garden beds.
- Keep yard waste out of landfills.
Option 1: Leave Them on the Lawn
The easiest option is to simply leave clippings where they fall after mowing.
This practice, often called grass cycling, allows the clippings to decompose and return nutrients directly to the soil. They break down quickly and can provide a significant portion of your lawn’s nitrogen needs throughout the growing season.
And for an even better-looking lawn, don’t mow on a schedule; use the 1/3 rule instead.
Option 2: Use Them as Mulch
Grass clippings make an excellent mulch for vegetable gardens, flower beds, and around shrubs.
Apply a layer 1 to 2 inches thick around plants to help:
- Suppress weeds
- Retain soil moisture
- Moderate soil temperatures
- Add nutrients as the clippings decompose
Be sure to allow fresh clippings to dry slightly before using them. Wet clippings can mat together and prevent water from reaching the soil.
While the clippings will eventually turn brown, many gardeners find the benefits outweigh the appearance. If aesthetics is a concern, consider covering them with a thin layer of pine straw or pine bark nuggets.
Option 3: Add Them to Your Compost Pile
Grass clippings are a valuable “green” material in compost because they’re rich in nitrogen.
To create healthy compost, mix grass clippings with “brown” materials such as:
- Dry leaves
- Straw
- Shredded newspaper
- Small twigs
Avoid adding large piles of fresh clippings all at once because they can become compacted and develop unpleasant odors. A balanced mix of green and brown materials helps compost break down efficiently. Check out these tips on starting a compost pile.
Do You Need a Mulching Lawn Mower?
A mulching mower can help by cutting grass into smaller pieces that decompose more quickly, but it’s not required. Most standard lawn mowers can leave clippings on the lawn effectively, especially if you mow regularly.
If you frequently leave clippings behind or want to maximize nutrient recycling, a mulching mower can be a useful upgrade. However, homeowners can successfully grasscycle with most conventional mower models.
