If you have chosen to purchase a mulching lawn mower the chances are you’ll have already done your research on the advantages and disadvantages of mulching.
Once your mulching mower is assembled and ready to mow, here are 5 tips to help you master the mulch!
Tip 1: Get ready to mulch!
For mulch to breakdown properly it needs a healthy eco-system. Heavy use of pesticides and chemicals will mean fewer earthworms and the microorganisms that help break down the clippings. For the best results stop using chemical products on your lawn and let the soil restore its natural balance before starting to mulch. If your lawn is full of weeds and thatch it’s best to address these issues before starting to mulch. Mulching itself does cause thatch, but it can aggravate an existing thatch problem. Switching to a collecting mower when the weeds go to seed will help to prevent them spreading.
Tip 2: When to Mulch?
The best time to mulch is as soon as the grass starts to grow. You should mow your lawn before it reaches 3” or 7.5cm tall. Leaving the grass to grow taller than this will smother the lawn with clippings and you will need to rake them up. In the spring mow your lawn once a week (over cutting early on can stress the grass roots) and reduce it to twice a week in the height of the summer. Still continue to mulch up until the 1st frost is due.
The same rules apply to mulching mowers as they do collecting, if the ground is soggy you will damage the lawn. Always test the grass and take care whilst turning the mower to avoid root damage.
Tip 3: How much to cut?
The one third rule states you should cut no more than a third of the height of the grass. Always leave the grass height half an inch or 12.5mm longer than you would if you were using a collecting mower. If you haven’t been able to get out and mow due to rainfall or time, still only cut the top third of the grass at a time. If the grass is tall it may be tempting to cut it lower, but cutting a third off the grass height every few days until you reach the optimum height is better than a fast shave.
Tip 4: Look after your mower
Clean out grass from the deck after each mow, grass clippings get into every nook and cranny and will cause damage.
Mulching mowers will blunt blades quicker due to the amount of work they do. Sharp blades are essential to a healthy lawn, so sharpen them regularly.
Tip 5: Don’t just mulch grass
Don’t forget to mulch fallen leaves in the autumn months. Leaf mulch is high in nutrients and a fantastic fertiliser for your lawn. If you find yourself with too much, bag it and within two years it will be nutrient-rich superfood for your borders too.
Mulching may seem more complex than using a conventional collecting lawnmower, but by choosing a mulching lawnmower you are fertilising your lawn in a free and effective way, plus it’s great for the environment too!
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