Feed your lawn the natural way – Grasscycle!
Every year, homeowners spend a significant amount of time raking and bagging grassclippings. What a waste! Grasscycling can save you time, money and improve the overall health of your lawn.
What is Grasscycling?
Grasscycling is the process of recycling grassclippings by leaving them on the lawn where they can break down naturally. Grassclippings are made up of 85-90% water and quickly dehydrate and decompose once cut. This natural process helps return nutrients back into the soil, reducing the need for fertilizers and lawn watering.
There are several things to remember once you begin Grasscycling: |
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Lawn mower blades must be sharp. Dull lawn mower blades tend to tear grass, making the lawn prone to disease and discoloration at the tips.
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Mower height should be set to cut only 1/3 of the grass blades at one time. This ensures the lawn’s root system will be able to support itself in a time of drought.
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It is recommended that you allow your lawn to grow at least nine centimeters (3.5 in.) in height and that you mow it down to 6 cm. (2.375 in.).
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Do not cut your grass during a drought or when grass is wet. |
Why should I Grasscycle?
Grasscycling saves time, reduces waste and leads to a deeper, healthier root system that increases your lawn's resistance to disease, drought and insects.
Grasscycling improves lawn quality. When grass clippings are allowed to decay naturally on the lawn, they release valuable nutrients, add water-saving mulch, and encourage natural soil aeration by earthworms.
Grasscycling conserves water because the clippings hold moisture in your lawn. This means less work for you, since it reduces the need for watering.
Grass clippings are a free high-nitrogen fertilizer containing essential plant nutrients, such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus that release nutrients back into the lawn once they decompose. When clippings are left on the lawn, they rapidly break down into these nutrients which are then returned to the lawn. There's no pollution run-off, no use of non-renewable resources, and no damage to soil organisms or wildlife.
Grasscycling is a simple and easy opportunity for homeowners to help benefit the environment. It is a responsible environmental practice and an opportunity for all homeowners to reduce their waste. One of the best aspects of grasscycling is that it takes less time and energy than bagging and dragging grass clippings to the curb.
Frequently asked question about Grasscyling?
1) Will Grasscyling cause "Thatch"?
No! This is one of the most common misconceptions about grasscycling. Thatch is primarily caused by grassroots and can develop whether you grasscycle or not.
2) Does Grasscycling spread lawn disease?
No! The improper use of water and fertilizer are the primary causes of lawn disease; however, lawn disease can occur whether you grasscycle or not.
3) Will Grasscycling make my lawn look bad?
No! In fact, Grasscycling will make your lawn look healthier by recycling nutrients back into the soil. Grass clippings are comprised of 80 to 90% water and will disappear within a few days, leaving no mess on your lawn.
4) If I leave Grassclippings on my lawn, will my lawn turn brown?
No! Grassclippings will supply nutrients to the soil, which will improve the overall quality of your lawn.
5) Are there alternatives to Grasscycling?
Yes! Grasscycling is not always possible due to prolonged bad weather or excessive lawn growth. In these cases, it is recommended that excessive grass clippings are placed in your backyard composter in thin layers.
6) How are mulching lawn mowers different from regular lawn mowers?
Mulching mower blades are designed to push grassclippings down into the ground, speeding up the grasscycling process.
7) Can I convert my regular lawn mower into a mulching lawn mower?
Yes! Mulching kits can be purchased to transform your regular lawn mower into a mulching lawn mower. These kits can be found at most hardware stores and garden centres.
8) Do I have to use a mulching mower to grasscycle?
No! All lawn mowers are capable of grasscycling. |
