Landfilling Your Grass Clippings:

• Contributes to global warming: Grass clippings in the landfill create methane, a potent greenhouse gas 21 times more effective at trapping radiant heat than carbon dioxide.
   
• Wastes a valuable resource that could have given you a greener, healthier, more water-efficient lawn.
   
• Needlessly fills the landfill.

Leaving Grass Clippings on the Lawn:

• Reduces the amount and frequency of fertilizer needed for your lawn. Grass clippings return valuable nutrients to the soil. They are 75-80% water and contain 2-4% nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients.
   
• Conserves water by sheltering grass roots from the harsh and drying Colorado sun.
   
• Saves you time. No raking or bagging.

It’s Simple:

• Follow the “one third” rule. Allow your grass to grow to three inches and then cut no more than one inch off the top. This helps develop a deeper root system which is a natural defense against weeds, disease and drought.
   
• During fast growing periods you may have to cut the grass every four to seven days.

You May be Wondering…
Do grass clippings cause thatch?

No. Thatch is an accumulation of the “woody” parts of the grass plant (stems and roots) not the clippings. Thatch is most often caused by over-watering and over-fertilizing.

Isn’t it more work to mow the lawn often enough to keep the clippings short?

No. Cutting grass before it is overgrown is easier and faster. Eliminating the time and effort it takes to bag clippings further shortens the mowing time.

Do I need a mulching mower?

No. Mulching blades and adapter kits are available for many types of lawn mowers. When it is time to replace your mower, consider purchasing an electric mulching mower.