Grasscycling

Grasscycling is a method of handling grass clippings by leaving them to decompose on the lawn when mowing. The term combines "grass" and "recycling", and had come into use by at least 1990[1] as part of the push to reduce the huge quantities of clippings going into landfills, up to half of some cities' summertime waste flow,[2] as 1,000 square feet (93 m2) of lawn can produce 200 to 500 pounds (90 to 225 kg) of clippings a year.[3]

Electric lawn mower in grass-cycling mode

Because grass consists largely of water (80% or more[4]), contains little lignin,[4] and has high nitrogen content, grass clippings easily break down during an aerobic process [5] (comparable to composting) and returns the decomposed clippings to the soil within one to two weeks,[3] acting primarily as a fertilizer supplement and, to a much smaller degree, a mulch. Grasscycling can provide 15 to 20% or more of a lawn's yearly nitrogen requirements.[6][7] Proponents also note that grasscycling reduces the use of plastic bags for collecting yard waste and reduces trips to the curb or landfill to haul waste.[8]

Optimal grasscycle techniques include:[3][6][9]

  • Cutting no more than 1/3 the length of the grass, this means when lawns are growing fast, mowing about twice a week.[10]
  • Cutting when the grass is dry to the touch
  • Cutting when the height is between 3 and 4 inches (7 to 10 cm), once per week.[10]
  • Ensuring that the mower blade is sharp

Although a mulching mower can make grass clippings smaller, one is not necessary for grasscycling.

See also

References
  1. "Grasscycling definition/etymology". Retrieved 2007-05-25.
  2. "Denver Recycle Grasscycle". Archived from the original on 2010-09-05. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
  3. "Rivanna Solid Waste Authority Grasscycling Info". Archived from the original on 2007-09-30. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
  4. "Grasscycling FAQ". Archived from the original on 2009-11-28. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
  5. Scoville, Heather. "Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Processes". About Education. About.com. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  6. "Grasscycle!". Archived from the original on 2012-02-16. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
  7. "California Integrated Waste Management Board - What is grasscycling?". Archived from the original on 2009-12-21. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
  8. "King County Experience: Grasscycling". Archived from the original on 1999-11-05. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
  9. "Bay Delta Grass Recycling Campaign". Archived from the original on 2012-02-12. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
  10. "How Often Should You Mow Your Lawn? - For Dummies". www.dummies.com. Retrieved 2016-02-29.
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