Cut It and Leave It: “GRASSCYCLING”

What is Grasscycling?

• Grasscycling is natural recycling of grass by leaving clippings on the lawn when mowing. Grass clippings decompose quickly, returning valuable water and nutrients back to the soil.

Why Grasscycling?

• 

  Download the Grasscycling flyer

  Save time and money: no more emptying mower bags or buying and filling collection bags.

• Lawns stay greener and healthier, providing up to 30% of your lawn’s fertilizer needs.
• Reduces pollution from pesticides and herbicides.
• Saves landfill space.

Grasscycling Guidelines

• Cut no more than 1/3 of the grass blade and no more than 1 inch at a time.
• Mow when the lawn is dry.
• Mow with a sharp blade to keep grass healthy and prevent browning and raggedness.
• Mow in a different direction every time.

Grasscycling FAQs

• Will grasscycling make my lawn look bad?
  No! Short clippings (1/3 blade, less than 1”) decompose quickly.
• Does grasscycling cause thatch buildup?
  No! Grass roots and stems cause of thatch, not grass clippings. The more you fertilize and water your lawn, the faster it grows, and the faster thatch accumulates.
• Does grasscycling spread lawn disease?
  No! Improper watering and fertilizing are the primary causes of turfgrass disease.
• Do I need a special lawnmower?
  No! Regular lawn mowers can be used by removing the collection bag. Mulching mowers cut up grass clippings more finely . Electric mulching mowers can also help reduce air pollution. And push reel mowers use no gas or electricity and work well, too!
• When does grasscycling NOT work?
  Grasscycling does not work with prolonged wet weather or infrequent mowing. Bag grass in those situations where a large number of long clippings may be generated. Add the clippings to your compost pile, or use as mulch around trees, flowerbeds, and shrubs.
• What else can I do?
  • Mow it high—grass is healthiest at 3”-4”.
  • Water less—no more than 1” of water, per week, or 30 minutes twice a week).
  • Water early—to reduce evaporation.
  • Fertilize smart—twice in the fall, never in spring, with organic or slow-release fertilizers.
  • Shrink your lawn—replace some of your lawn with trees, flower beds, vegetable gardens, and mulch to use less water and fertilizer.

For More Information

Go to: www.bloomfieldtwpnj.com/grasscycling.php

Call: Bloomfield DPW at (973) 680-4127.

This information produced by the Bloomfield Recycling Committee, DPW, and Greener Bloomfield. Info for this brochure was derived from the Township of Nutley, NYCCompost.org, Broome Co. Div. of Solid Waste Management, and NJDEP.