Love it or hate it, it’s that time of year when the sound of mowers and the aroma of freshly cut grass fills our neighbourhood as we strive for that perfect lawn―or at the very least to keep it neat and tidy.
There’s no shortage of lawn care advice during the spring and summer months but there is one tip that is good for you, good for your lawn and good for the environment: Go Bagless.
Also known as grasscycling, going bagless is the practice of leaving grass clippings on your lawn as you mow. There are many advantages.
For die-hard lawn enthusiasts―going bagless contributes to a lush, healthy lawn when done properly. As the clippings break down quickly, it keeps moisture in the ground and naturally fertilizes your lawn with nutrients after each mow. It also helps prevent thatch and disease.
Local lawn-care experts agree, “Grass clippings don’t contribute to a build-up of thatch since they contain essential plant nutrients; I just leave them on my lawn. Besides, fresh clippings are about 80% water—trucking ‘bags of water’ makes little sense,” says Jim Hole, Holes Greenhouses.
To those who think of mowing as a chore―going bagless is quicker and easier than bagging and dragging your grass to the curb. As the clippings add moisture and nutrients to your lawn, it also reduces the need and expense of watering and fertilizing your lawn.
Finally, it’s exceptionally good for the environment. Grass clippings account for up to half of the waste collected by the City of Edmonton during summer. Going bagless is the number one way Edmontonians can reduce their waste.
So how do you do it? It’s easier than you may think. Any lawn mower will work, including push mowers, as long as you cut high. Simply remove the bag from your mower, raise the height of your mower blade to medium-to-high range, and mow every four to five days during heavy growth season.
Go Bagless. That’s a lawn care tip that is easy to do, environmentally friendly and exceptional for your lawn. For more information and a chance to win a mulching mower or a $750 City of Edmonton Attraction and Recreation card, visit edmonton.ca/GoBagless.