Grasscycling

What is grasscycling?

Grasscycling is the formal name for leaving your grass clippings on the lawn rather than collecting them with a lawnmower bag or rake. This simple technique is less work than bagging your grass clippings and can actually make your lawn more healthy over time.

What composting style does it fit?

Grasscycling works well for both hands-on and hands-off composters that have a lawn. It is the easiest way to deal with grass clippings. For those that use pesticides on their lawn, grasscycling is also the safest way to compost the clippings.

How does it work?

The grass clippings left on the lawn will decompose on their own, supplying the remaining grass with more water and nitrogen. This works best if the clippings are relatively short and dry, allowing them to settle deep into the remaining blades of grass rather than clump on top. 

To help with this:

• Keep your mower blades sharp.
• If your mower height is adjustable, set it to 3-4" high for a taller lawn.
• Mow frequently enough that you are trimming off a quarter of the grass blade or less each time.
• Don't cut the grass while it is still wet from rain, sprinklers, or heavy dew.
• While it is not usually necessary, if the thatch (the layer of rass clippings, roots, and stems, between the soil and the growing grass blades) seems to be getting too thick, use a rake to gather up and compost the excess.

Mulching mowers are best for grasscycling because they chop grass clippings smaller and blow them down into the turf, but any mower can work. If you have a bag mower, make sure it has a flap to close off the bag opening when it isn't attached.

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Got more composting questions? Email the Compost Hotline at [email protected].