Grasscycling

Keep lawns lush and healthy.

This involves leaving grass clippings on the lawn after a fresh cut to allow them to break down naturally.

Benefits of grasscycling:

Natural fertilizer – since grass is made up of natural elements – like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, clippings release those nutrients and moisture back into the lawn once they decompose. This nutrient-rich fertilization results in a healthier root system that increases not only the beautification of a yard, but its resistance to disease, drought and insects.
Saves water – grass blades are made up of 85 per cent water, they reduce the need to water lawns.
Saves time and energy – by eliminating the need to collect and dispose of grass clippings.
Good for the environment – reduces waste and there is no pollution run-off and no damage to the air, soil or wildlife.

How to Grasscycle

Here are a few tips to achieve the best grasscycling results:

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.
Mower height should be set to cut only one-third 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.
The lawn should be at least nine centimetres (3.5 inches) in height before mowing and trimmed down to six centimetres (2.5 inches).
Do not cut grass during a drought or when grass is wet.

Frequently Asked Questions

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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.
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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.
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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 per cent water and will disappear within a few days, leaving no mess on your lawn.
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No. Grass clippings will supply nutrients to the soil, which will improve the overall quality of your lawn.
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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.
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Mulching mower blades are designed to push grass clippings down into the ground, speeding up the grasscycling process.
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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.
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No. All lawn mowers are capable of grasscycling.