The next time you mow your yard, leave your grass clippings on the lawn instead of putting in the compost.
Grass clippings will quickly break down, returning nutrients to the soil for a healthy yard. Grass mulching will help you save time and effort from bagging up grass clippings, buying paper yard waste bags or needing to apply fertilizer to your lawn.
- Cut grass when the surface is dry and keep mower blades sharp.
- Follow the 1/3 rule: mow your lawn often enough so that no more than 1/3 your grass is cut. You may need to raise the height of your mower. This frequent mowing will produce short clippings that will break down quickly.
- You can leave clippings on the lawn with almost any mower (push, electric or gas). Using your existing mower, simply remove the bag and leave the clippings on the lawn. Mulching mowers cut grass blades into smaller pieces, allowing the clippings to settle into your lawn without clumping. They are sold at most yard and garden stores, nurseries and home supply stores.
For more tips, visit calgary.ca/grassclippings.
