Lawn Care & Mowing Information
TIPS On Dealing With ClippingsClippings are beneficial to your lawn. A common misconception about clippings is that they automatically lead to thatch—this is untrue. Short clippings produced by broadcasting and clippings produced by mulching methods actually contribute to a healthy lawn because they:
•Reduce the evaporation of water from your lawn.
•Provide a cushioning layer to reduce lawn wear.
•Moderate soil temperature.
•Clippings act as a safe, non-polluting and inexpen- sive fertilizer that nourishes your lawn. Fresh cut grass blades are 85% water, and are a rich source of nitrogen which is essential to lush growth. And one garbage bag of clippings contains about 1/4 lb. of usable organic nitrogen.
COMPOSTINGThe best way to recycle excess clippings and leave your lawn looking immaculate is to collect them with an efficient collection system and deposit them in a compost pile. A compost pile is a collection of grass, leaves, and other organic wastes which—when properly tended— decompose into an odorless, topsoil material. This material, in turn, acts as an inexpensive fertilizer for your lawn and garden.
How to start a healthy compost pile:1Build a bin using bricks, fencing, cement blocks, etc. or pur- chase a prefabricated bin from a garden store. The bin should also have venting on each side and from the bottom to the top.
2Fill the bin with alternating layers of yard waste. Follow this recipe:
First layer: 3-4 inches of chopped brush or other coarse material.
Second layer: 6-8 inches of mixed leaves, grass clippings, sawdust, etc. Materials should be "sponge damp."
Third layer: 1 inch of soil to add micro-organisms that help break down organic matter.
Fourth layer: 1-2 inches of manure to provide the nitrogen needed by micro-organisms.
Keep adding layers until the bin is almost full. Top off with a 4-6 inch layer of straw and scoop out a "basin" to catch rain water.
3Four or five days later the pile will reach temperatures of 140-160 degrees. At this time you'll notice it settling, a good sign your compost is working properly.
4After 5-6 weeks, fork materials into a new pile, turning the outside of the old heap into the center of the new one. Add water if necessary. The compost should be ready to use within three to four months when dark brown, crumbly, and earthy-smelling.
