What is Mulch Mowing?

Mulch mowing is a special process that keeps your lawn healthy. When you mow your lawn, you cut the grass into small pieces, which are spread over the ground. This helps the soil to get proper nutrients naturally from the grass clippings and leaves. Ultimately it keeps your lawn green and healthy. So if you want to know the process of mulching then just follow our guide in which we have discussed how to mulch properly with some steps. Let’s discuss.

Purpose and Benefits:

Nutrient Boost for Lawns

When you leave grass clippings and fallen leaves over the ground instead of bagging, by default it is the compost for your lawn’s soil. Which  tends to keep the soil more nutrient naturally. So, you need not any extra stuff. For example it’s equivalent to applying 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn, saving on the cost of synthetic fertilizers. 

Building Soil Health

When you leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing, they break down and give carbon back to the soil. This helps tiny living things in the soil break down old plant stuff. When this happens, it makes the soil healthier. Healthy soil can keep more nutrients and water, which makes the grass grow better.

Water-Wise Lawns

SOM plays a crucial role in saving water. For every 1 percent increase in SOM, the soil can hold an additional 1/3 gallon of water per cubic foot. Thus, it helps to use water in a more efficient way which keeps your lawn healthy and green even when there is hot or not much rain.

Slow-Release Fertilizer

Additionally, SOM is like natural slow-release fertilizer for plants, giving them all the important nutrients they need to grow. If we take away the nutrients that the plant gets naturally then the SOM levels can drop. Then, we have to rely more on man-made fertilizers for our lawns.

Mowing Matters

Maintaining the proper mowing practices ensures the benefits of mulching. Sharp blades and regular mowing remove no more than 1/3 of the plant tissue, allowing grass to thrive while incorporating clippings effectively.

Mulching Leaves for Extra Benefits

In the fall, mulching leaves is equally advantageous. Regular mowing of fallen leaves, with multiple passes if needed, aids in their decomposition and incorporation into the soil. This not only enriches the soil but also creates a natural weed barrier.

Things you need to know about mulch mowing.

Step 1: Make sure your lawn mower blades are sharp. Because sharp blades cut the grass into tiny pieces rather than tearing it. Also, don’t cut more than one-third of the grass at once. This helps the grass stay healthy and lets the clippings mix into the soil nicely.

Step 2: While mowing, follow the 1/3 rule. Do not cut more than one-third of the grass blade each time you mow.

Step 3: Always prefer mowing in dry grass because wet grass clumps more easily.

Step 4: Use the mulching mode. Using the mulching plug install the mulching kit and close the side discharge.

Step 5: Follow the criss-cross patterns while mowing. This ensures even cutting and distribution of clippings. 

Step 6: Leave clippings on the lawn. Do not collect them. Let them decompose and feed the grass.

Step 7: Sometimes you might need to add extra fertilizer to your lawn. Grass clippings give nitrogen fertilizer but these are not sufficient for your lawn.

Step 8: If your grass is too tall or wet then engage the side discharge setting. Which prevents the grass clippings. 

Step 9: After mowing, you may find some grass clippings. But after sometime they will break down soon.

Step 10: Check the results after mulching. If your grass looks healthier and greener it means mulching is properly done.

Following these steps will help you maximize the fertilizing benefits of mulch mowing your lawn. Consult your owner’s manual for specific mower recommendations. With proper technique, you’ll enjoy a naturally fed lawn.

Here you can find the best product of john deere zero turn lawn mower having mulching kit.

Considerations and Limitations

When to Mulch:

• First-Time Mulching: Optimal for spring and summer. Mow regularly, aiming once to twice weekly based on grass growth speed.
• Spring & Summer: Ideal period for mulching. Ensure grass height doesn’t exceed 3 cm.
• Dry Grass: Start mulching when the grass is dry. Dry clippings spread evenly and settle among the grass blades and soil.

When not to mulch:

• Wet Grass:

Clippings clump together when mowing wet grass, leading to uneven spreading and potential mower deck buildup. This hinders the decay process and negatively impacts your lawn.

• High Grass:

Mulching tall grass creates excessive clippings, resulting in a thick mulch layer. This restricts nutrient absorption, blocks light, and limits air access to the roots.

• Limited Time:

If you can’t mulch regularly, opt for traditional mowing. Irregular mulching leads to tall grass and an excess of clippings. This creates opportunities for weeds to thrive and spread their seeds.

Grass Types Suitable for Mulch Mowing:

Certain grass types are better suited for mulch mowing. Varieties like Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue tend to break down quickly, making them ideal candidates for this practice. They provide better nutrient return to the soil.

Grass Type	Suggested Mowing Height
Centipedegrass	1 to 2 inches
Bermudagrass	1 to 2 inches
St. Augustinegrass	2 to 3 inches
Zoysiagrass	1 to 2 inches
Tall Fescue	2 to 3 inches
Kentucky bluegrass	2 to 3 inches
Perennial ryegrass	1 to 2 inches

Now you know what mulch mowing correctly. You can read our other article for a comprehensive buyer’s guide for zero-turn lawnmowers.

End Thought

Incorporating mulch mowing into your lawn care routine brings many benefits, from nutrient-rich soil to reduced reliance on synthetic fertilizers. You’ll witness a greener, healthier lawn with proper technique and attention to grass type and conditions. Embrace the simplicity of mulch mowing and let nature work its magic for a thriving outdoor space.