Has your municipality banned grass clippings from curbside yard waste collection programs? There has been a move in recent years to grasscycling to reduce emissions caused by cut grass in landfills.
Is grasscycling for you? If you cut your lawn, then this could be the time to start.
Quite simply, grasscycling is leaving your grass where it is after cutting it. Freshly cut grass left in place does three good things for your lawn.
Grasscycling can help reduce your carbon footprint. Landfills are becoming overrun with green waste, which leads to the production of methane gas, a huge culprit in climate change. Ideally, green waste should be composted. Leaving your grass cuttings in place is the most efficient way to do this. A bonus of grasscycling is the time you’ll save not having to empty the mower bag or rake up after so you can enjoy other outdoor activities.
It’s best to give your lawn a thorough watering less often to make sure the roots grow deeper and to prevent them from reaching for the surface, which can lead to thatch.
Will grasscycling cause thatching?
Leaving grass clippings on your lawn won’t lead to thatch buildup, as the grass clippings will quickly break down. Thatch buildup is most often caused by overwatering your lawn or adding too much fertilizer causing roots and leaves to grow quickly. Thatch buildup could also be a sign that you need to aerate your lawn and check the drainage.
Does grasscycling cause lawn disease?
The main causes of lawn disease are watering too frequently and for not long enough, cutting grass too short and using fertilizer incorrectly. Grasscycling does not harm your lawn.
Will grasscycling make my lawn look uncared for?
Grasscycling will give you a better-looking, healthier and lush lawn, but take care to regularly cut your grass so that it does not get too tall. Longer clippings can result in larger clumps of clippings that can look a bit untidy.
If you have not been able to cut your grass for a while due to rainy weather, you can always compost the longer grass in your backyard composter.
Grasscycling is a win-win for you, your lawn and the environment. Why not give it a try?