LAWN TIPS
Recycle your clippings
Removing lawn clippings can be a time-consuming chore. Save time by
leaving your grass clippings on the lawn after mowing. The recycled
nutrients could save about 20 percent of your annual fertilizer
costs.
Leave your clippings behind
A ton of fresh grass clippings contains about 15 pounds of nitrogen,
2 pounds of phosphorous and 10 pounds of potassium—major sources of
nutrients for your lawn.
Clippings also increase the organic content of the soil and
earthworm activity, and improve soil aeration and water movement
through the soil. All of that means that you get a better lawn.
And note this: that ton of grass clippings also contains more than
1,700 pounds of water. Since grass clippings account for almost 20
percent of all curbside waste, occasionally leaving clippings on
your lawn can save landfill space and help your lawn retain
moisture.
Mow your way to a healthy lawn
To improve the appearance of your lawn, mow regularly when your
grass is dry and 3 to 3-1/2 inches tall. Never cut it shorter than 2
inches. This will allow your lawn to have a larger and deeper root
system—a stronger defense against weeds, diseases and drought.
Despite popular belief, clippings do not cause thatch buildup. In
fact, research shows that returned clippings never contribute to
thatch buildup. If you have thatch in your lawn, rent a dethatcher
to remove it. A ˝- to 1-inch layer of thatch is no problem, but any
thicker layer will keep clippings from reaching the soil.
Use a sharp mower blade and mow frequently. A sharp blade and
frequent mowing will mean finer clippings that will decompose
quickly. Mulching kits also are available to retrofit some mowers.
Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn. At most, fertilize the lawn in
May, September and late November. Remember, the more you fertilize,
the more frequently you will have to mow. To further cut back on
work, use a slow or controlled-release fertilizer.
Need more incentive
If you still choose to collect your grass clippings, do it every
other mowing in the spring and fall. Researchers found homeowners
who stopped bagging their clippings saved an average of seven hours
of mowing a year.
If you want to collect your clippings occasionally, recycle them as
a mulch in planting beds or add to the compost pile.
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If you have questions about watering, water conservation tools for
your garden, or would like a complimentary water savings survey,
please call (805) 684-2816.