To bag or not to bag, that is the question.
People have been debating this topic for years, actually decades. It has created strong opinions on both sides.
Logically, you would think a simple google search would put the issue to rest. In fact, you will find it’s pretty clear that most searches will generate a ‘leave grass clippings on your lawn’ answer.
It’s true, under specific conditions, mulching your lawn clippings can be beneficial by supplying nutrients to your lawn. And if you’re able to mow your lawn several times a week, especially during a growth spurt, then mulching your clippings definitely has it’s advantages. At the top of the list of benefits is you’re providing your lawn with free nutrients. The grass clippings adds nitrogen to your lawn.
The problem though is correct mulching of clippings requires specific mowing conditions that are usually impractical and unrealistic to both everyday homeowners and lawn care companies. That’s why in my unpopular opinion, a lot of lawns would benefit from bagging clippings.
Reasons Not to Mulch Your Clippings
1. You can’t let your lawn get too long. You only want to cut a 1/3 off a grass blade at most in one cutting. In the spring when your lawn is growing rapidly this might mean mowing your lawn every couple of days. This is usually unrealistic since most homeowners and lawn care companies operate on a weekly schedule.
2. You have to have the right equipment. Not all mowers are designed to mulch clippings. A proper mower deck, and often mulching blades are required to finely mulch grass clippings and evenly disperse them.
3. Disease and fungus are more likely to spread. If you have lawn areas that are under stress from disease or fungus, spreading these infected clippings over your lawn will likely spread the problem.
4. Weed seeds are more likely to spread. If you have lawn weeds that have gone to seed then mulching them back into your lawn will help spread the weeds.
5. Mulching clippings is a mess. Clippings get all over your garden beds, hardscaped areas, and all around your property. A little bit of morning dew and it also sticks to your dogs paws, children’s sneakers, etc.
6. Plenty of clippings get mulched back into your lawn even when you do bag. No bagging system is perfect. A small percentage of clippings will end up back in your lawn. This can be a much healthier number of clippings for your lawn.
If you think your lawn maintenance program could use some tweaking, don’t be afraid to throw the bag on the mower this season!
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Ethan Hansen says
I never knew that leaving lawn clippings on your lawn can be detrimental to its health by spreading weed seeds! My wife and I made it a goal to have the greenest lawn on the block in two years. We’ll be sure to keep your facts in mind as we search for a lawn care service that will know when it’s reasonable to leave some clippings on the lawn!
Tim says
I often use a lawn spreader to care for my lawn. I think grass clippings are necessary to provide nutrients for the lawn.
overseeder vs aerator says
What do you do to get rid of fungus in Northern Calif.
And we have a lot to Dallas grass weed. It has been a drought year.
Mark says
Dallisgrass can be controlled with both a pre emergent and post emergent. For a pre-emergent I like a product with the active ingredient Dimension. For existing Dallisgrass spot treat with a product like Weed B Gone.
For fungus control, slow release organic fertilizers are best especially heading into hotter months. Scotts Disease Ex is also a great product to apply especially right before the on set of drought conditions.
Larry says
I’ve encountered a problem whereby a contractor was hired and now I have “Fairy Rings” showing up throughout the yard which entails approximately 2.5 acres. Any suggestions
Mark says
in short, the solution is mow, aerate, water, and fertilize. Fairy rings are a caused by a type of fungus that thrives in compacted, under watered, and under fertilized lawns. If damage is really bad don’t be afraid to core aerate, top dress, and seed this fall ( depending on your location). A good lawn care program is usually the best method for prevention
larry says
How do you control Bermuda grass in a fescue lawn? It’s horrible stuff
Mark says
Hi Larry, try a product like BioAdvanced Bermuda Grass Control. Ornemec OTT is another great one that you can buy online. Also, increase mowing height. Fescue like to be mowed taller than Bermuda. This will help choke out the Bermuda.