As a lawn enthusiast, I’ve often found myself weighing the benefits and drawbacks of various lawn care methods. One technique that has sparked plenty of debate, yet consistently stands out for its effectiveness, is mulch mowing. After diving into a study on this topic, I discovered that mulch mowing offers more advantages than many people realize—not only saving time and money but also enhancing the overall quality of the lawn. In this article, I’ll share my findings and explain why mulch mowing could be the solution you’re looking for to achieve a lush, healthy lawn with minimal effort.
The pros and cons of mulch mowing are often debated among amateur gardeners and lawn professionals. However, a study shows that mulch mowing is not as problematic as experts sometimes claim, and in many ways, it actually offers advantages.
With mulch mowing, the clippings are not collected in the catcher but remain on the lawn. They are finely shredded by the rotating blades and fall back into the grass. Professor Dr. Karl-Ernst Schönthaler and his research team from the Institute of Landscape Development at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna studied the effects of mulch mowing on lawn appearance and quality, nutrient supply, thatch formation, and soil life.
The researchers tested the effects of returning grass clippings over a 3-year period on a 2,000 square meter area. Half of the lawn was maintained with a mulch mower, while the other half was maintained with a conventional lawn mower. The mulched area received little to no fertilizer, while the other area was moderately to normally fertilized with additional nutrients.
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Improve Lawn Quality with Mulch Mowing
The result of the test: The lawn maintained with a mulch mower appeared fresher and more vital both during and outside of the growing season compared to the conventionally mowed lawn. It had a dense turf and a rich green color.
Grass Clippings as Nutrient Supply
When grass clippings are removed during mowing, the lawn must be regularly fertilized. Without additional nutrients, the lawn becomes sparse, more susceptible to weeds and moss, and takes longer to regenerate.
With mulch mowing, all the nutrients contained in the clippings remain on the lawn and are available to the grass in the optimal amounts. This natural lawn fertilization process is more even than using a slow-release fertilizer: instead of three to four fertilizations per year, the lawn receives around 20 small doses of natural fertilizer. Additionally, because the nutrients are stored in organic form in the clippings, they are not washed away and cannot pollute the groundwater.
The financial savings from mulch mowing are also significant: Researchers found that a lawn maintained with a mulch mower does not require additional fertilization, saving about 30 to 40 euros per 100 square meters in fertilizer costs.
Mulch Mowing Does Not Promote Thatch Formation
The researchers found that the grass species ratio on the mulched area remained largely the same, while on the conventionally maintained lawn, Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) declined significantly, and red fescue (Festuca rubra) spread. For the lawn, this means reduced resilience.
A major argument against mulch mowing is the formation of thatch on mulched lawns. However, this was not confirmed in the study. On the contrary, thatch only formed on the conventionally maintained lawn, which the scientists believe is related to the change in grass species.
Mulch Mowing Reduces Maintenance Effort
On average, 21 mowing sessions per season were needed for the mulched lawn, compared to 17 for the conventional mowed lawn. However, mulch mowing took up 80% of the time because the catcher did not need to be emptied regularly. Overall, mulch mowing required slightly less time, even with the four additional mowing sessions. If you factor in the time spent disposing of the grass clippings (composting, green waste bin), the savings are even greater.
Mulch Mowing Improves Soil Life
The activity of soil organisms was up to 40% higher in the mulched area than in the conventionally maintained lawn. The researchers attribute this to the higher amount of organic matter entering the soil through the clippings, which can be broken down by microorganisms. These processes release plant-available nutrients. No restricted oxygen supply to the soil due to mulch mowing was found.
Conclusion: Mulch Mowing Has Many Benefits
With grass clipping return, you need less time and fertilizer for lawn care. The lawn is supplied with nutrients more evenly, appears more vital, and has a fresher color. Additionally, the soil beneath the turf is biologically more active. Thatch formation is not an issue. Furthermore, mulch mowing is an excellent solution to the problem of clipping disposal, which often concerns owners of smaller gardens.
How to Mulch Mow
A permeable, sandy to medium-heavy soil, a sunny location, and high-quality seed are essential for a beautiful lawn, whether for conventional or mulched areas. When using a mulch mower, mow frequently enough so that no more than one-third of the leaves are cut off at a time. If the grass is too long, it should be trimmed in multiple sessions with gradually adjusted cutting heights, bringing it to a height of about three to four centimeters. Also, always mow dry grass, as wet clippings can clump together and fail to distribute evenly over the turf.
In conclusion, after exploring the benefits of mulch mowing, I’ve realized just how much it can improve my lawn care routine. Not only does it save me time and money by reducing the need for additional fertilizers, but it also helps keep my lawn healthier and more vibrant. I’ve found that mulch mowing creates a more sustainable way to maintain my yard, with less waste and a more resilient lawn. If you’re looking for a more efficient, eco-friendly way to take care of your lawn, I definitely recommend giving it a try. It’s a simple change that’s made a big difference for me.
