What is Mulching? The Smarter, Easier Path to a Perfect Lawn

What is mulching?

Mulching is a technique involving cutting grass multiple times into fine clippings and returning them to the lawn rather than bagging them up, allowing them to decompose and return essential nutrients to the soil. Instead of going straight into the collection bag, the cuttings spin around and around in the deck of the mower until they are small enough that they are pushed out from the bottom of the mower. By mulching, you reduce the need to empty the collection bag constantly and reduce the fertilizer needs of the soil. It is estimated that by mulching you can return anywhere between 2 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year, and since most lawn fertilizer recommendations call for 3 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, it is possible that it could account for up to 100% of your lawn’s yearly nitrogen needs.

The mulching blade is designed to keep grass clippings in the air until they are fine pieces which are quickly decomposed.

There are a few things that you will need to keep in mind with Mulching. First off, it is necessary to mow regularly which means every 4-7 days during peak growth during spring and fall and every week or two during summer, ideally adhering to the “1/3 rule” by only ever mulching 1/3 the grass blade down to the desired length. It is also important to avoid mulching when the grass is wet, since when grass clumps together it will stick to the mower deck and wheels, and it can result in wet mats of clippings smothering the grass underneath.

There are a few things that you will need to keep in mind with Mulching. First off, it is necessary to mow regularly which means every 4-7 days during peak growth during spring and fall and every week or two during summer, ideally adhering to the “1/3 rule” by only ever mulching 1/3 the grass blade down to the desired length. It is also important to avoid mulching when the grass is wet, since when grass clumps together it will stick to the mower deck and wheels, and it can result in wet mats of clippings smothering the grass underneath.

What methods of Mulching exist? 

There are a number of options available if you are looking into mulching your lawn. You can buy dedicated mulching mowers or if you have a standard mower you can often purchase a conversion kit consisting of a mulching blade alongside a mulch plug, which blocks the passage from the chute to the grass bag. You also have the option of robotic mowers, which naturally mulch due to the fact they go out multiple times per week, only taking of a tiny layer of grass each time. Details of each option are as follows:

1.      Mulching kit (consisting of a Mulching blade and plug)

Allows you to transform your standard side-discharge or collection mower into a mulcher. It is by far the cheapest option and is perfect if you already have a compatible mower that you are happy with. Whilst not as specialized as a dedicated mulching mower, a high-quality mulching kit can still produce an excellent, fine mulch that decomposes quickly and nourishes your lawn effectively. But keep in mind that the quality will vary based on model and they are not always available so be sure to check your specific mower.

You can also buy mowers which are designed to both mulch and collect, which might be the best option if you are not able to mow regularly or in case of wet weather, so that you can avoid clumping or clogging of the mulching mowers’ deck.

2.      Mulching mowers

A mower designed only for mulching will be more efficient and precise at mulching. If you buy a dedicated mulching mower it often also allows for side discharge, allowing you to mulch longer grass without the deck getting clogged with clumps of grass. They can also deal with overgrown or damp grass better than a conversion kit would be able to. It is generally the best option for ensuring high quality results, but it is a significantly more expensive option when compared to buying a conversion kit if you already have a mower you are happy with.

3.      Robot mowers

The best option if you are looking to avoid the hassle of Mulching regularly. They are often considered healthier because they cut more frequently and only remove a very small layer of grass each time. Since the amount they mulch is so small the nutrients are decomposed back into the lawn much quicker, and it avoids some of the risks of using a normal mulcher, such as clumping from mowing too much at once and keeping the lawn clear, since the clippings are practically invisible.

The "1/3 Rule"

When Mulching, it is important to follow the “1/3 Rule”, which is to never cut more than one-third of the grass blade’s total height in a single mowing session. For example, if your grass was 4.5 inches, you would cut it down to 3 inches. The reason for this is that if you remove too much of the leaf surface at once, you significantly reduce the plant’s ability to photosynthesize and create food. Lighter trimming also encourages the plant to grow laterally by growing new shoots rather than just growing taller. Especially in sunny weather, the taller grass blades also help protect the crown of the grass (it’s growth point) from direct sunlight and slow down evaporation from the soil surface, ensuring your lawn stays hydrated longer during long spells of dry weather.

Why might I consider Mulching?

1. Creates a healthier lawn which stays greener for longer, and reduces the need for fertilizer

Mulched clippings are rich in nitrogen and other nutrients which are released back into the soil, promoting healthier growth and reducing the needs for synthetic fertilizer by up to 25%.

2.      Saves time emptying the collection bag

Mulching eliminates the time-consuming task of emptying the collection bag and disposing of clippings.

3.      Prevents lawn disease and pests

A healthier, well-fed lawn is able to resist diseases, pests and weed invasion which can eliminates the need for pesticides or herbicides.

4.      Reduces waste and is more environmentally friendly

By recycling clippings, you eliminate a large amount of waste that would otherwise occupy landfill space and avoid any emissions from transportation or plastic bags used to contain clippings.

5.      Shreds leaves in autumn

Mulching is a method highly recommended for leaf removal, since it finely chops the leaves into a small, manageable size whilst promoting lawn health by returning nutrients to the soil.

Why might I not consider Mulching?

1.      If your grass is overgrown

If your grass is too long, then even a dedicated mulching mower will leave behind thick, heavy clumps which will smother and kill grass underneath. In this case, it is better to collect and compost such a large volume. That said, as long as you are able to mulch regularly, this shouldn’t end up becoming a problem.

2.      You don’t have time to mow regularly

Mulching is a technique that requires you perform it regularly in order to unlock it’s benefits, ensuring a consistent release of nutrients that keeps the grass growing evenly and healthily. If you are not able to mulch regularly and you cut off too much grass at one time, it can cause heavier clippings that decompose more slowly and cause more problems.

3.      During wet weather

During wet weather, grass will clump together instead of being finely chopped and smother the grass underneath.  It is important to only Mulch when the grass is dry or to use a standard cut and collect mower if mowing is necessary.

4.      When there is a weed or moss problem

If there is a weed problem then it is better to deal with the weed problem first by scarifying before Mulching as it can worsen the problem or increase moss growth

Common concerns

• Does Mulching contribute to Thatching?

Mulching does NOT cause Thatch. In reality, glass clippings are made up of around 90% water and decompose too quickly to contribute to thatch.

·         Does Mulching cause clumping?

As long as it is done correctly, Mulching does not cause clumping. Clumping is a result of mulching when the grass is too wet or long and if done right, clippings will be invisible within hours.

·         Don’t mulchers cost too much money?

From Garden Machinery Glos Ltd you can buy a mulching mower from £299, and mulching kits are a significantly cheaper option if you aren’t looking to buy a dedicated mower.

Conclusion

Mulching is a widely used technique that provides a highly effective way to maintain a healthy, waste free lawn whilst reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. It is easy to see why its application extends far beyond home lawns to golf course fairways, sports fields, and public parks, where its efficiency and soil-health benefits are highly valued. For most homeowners, it is an excellent investment that will save you time, money, and effort in the long run, and leave you with a healthier, better looking lawn.