Why grasscycle?
With no clippings to bag or trash, you can reduce your time and yard waste. According to the EPA, yard trimmings account for millions of tons of landfill waste each year. Grass clippings can provide up to 25% of your lawn's yearly nitrogen needs as they break down, reducing the need for additional fertilizer. Clippings can help add moisture to the soil too. If grasscycling isn't an option, you can compost clippings or use them as garden mulch.
Key Benefits of Grasscycling:
- Reduces yard waste sent to landfills
- Returns nitrogen and other nutrients to the soil
- Helps retain moisture in your lawn
- Saves time by eliminating bagging and disposal
Do it like a pro in 3 easy steps
Cut only 1/3 of the grass blade
Removing only one-third of the grass length at a time keeps clippings small enough to break down quickly. Keep your mower blade sharp for clean cuts.
Mow when the lawn is dry
Dry grass spreads evenly across the lawn, while wet clippings tend to clump together.
Leave the clippings on the lawn
No raking needed. Within a day, clippings will settle to the soil and begin to decompose.
When to Avoid Grasscycling
Weeds have gone to seed
If dandelions or other weeds are seeding, grasscycling can spread them across your lawn.
Grass is wet
Wet clippings stick together instead of spreading evenly.
Lawn is overgrown
Large clippings from overgrown grass may block air and sunlight from reaching your lawn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does grasscycling cause thatch buildup? No. Grass clippings are composed mostly of water and decompose quickly—usually within one to two weeks. Thatch is caused by stems and roots, not clippings.
How quickly do grass clippings decompose? Under normal conditions, grass clippings break down within one to two weeks, returning nutrients to the soil.
Can I grasscycle with any type of mower? Yes. Any mower works for grasscycling, though mulching mowers cut clippings into finer pieces for faster decomposition.