What Are the Benefits of Using a Lawnmower for Mulching?

 

Imagine a lush, green lawn that thrives without the need for constant fertiliser applications, excessive watering, or endless bagging of grass clippings. Sounds ideal, doesn’t it? Well, this is exactly what a mulching lawn mower can help you achieve.

If you’re wondering what makes a lawn mower that mulches grass so special, the answer lies in its ability to finely chop up the clippings and return them to the lawn as natural fertiliser. This process, known as mulching with a lawn mower, enhances soil health, reduces waste, and simplifies lawn maintenance.

In this article, we’ll explore the key benefits of using a mulch mower, how it helps your lawn, the environment and yourself, as well as some practical tips to help you get the best results. We’ll then take a look at when NOT to use a lawn mower and mulcher, before rounding things off by showing you where to find the best rated mulching lawn mowers, kits and attachments for sale.

So, whether you’re searching for the best mulching lawn mower or just curious about the whole process, read on to discover why a good mulching mower is a game-changer for lawn care…

What Is a Mulching Lawn Mower?

A mulching lawnmower is designed to cut grass into fine pieces that decompose quickly, returning valuable nutrients to the soil. Unlike traditional mowers that discharge grass clippings or collect them in a bag, a lawn mulcher processes the grass into tiny fragments that act as a natural mulch.

This method, often called ‘grasscycling’, benefits the lawn by adding organic matter back into the soil. It’s a simple yet highly effective way to improve lawn health while reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers.

Why Is Mulching Good for Your Lawn?

A mulching lawn mower provides several advantages for your lawn, ensuring it stays healthy and well-nourished. Here is a summary of the top benefits:

Natural Fertilisation

When you mulch the grass, the finely chopped clippings quickly decompose, releasing essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium back into the soil. This reduces the need for chemical fertilisers and keeps your lawn thriving naturally.

Improved Soil Health

Using mulcher grass regularly increases microbial activity in the soil. These microorganisms help break down organic matter, improving soil aeration and structure, which is crucial for a lush lawn.

Prevents Thatch Build-Up

A common misconception is that mulching grass causes thatch build-up. However, the reality is quite the opposite. Unlike tough thatch layers, finely chopped grass clippings as mulch decompose quickly, preventing thatch accumulation and promoting a healthier lawn.

Moisture Retention

A lawn with mulch retains moisture better than one without. The mulch layer reduces evaporation, keeping the soil hydrated for longer and reducing the need for frequent watering.

Weed Control

By using grass cuttings as mulch, you create a natural barrier that suppresses weed growth. This reduces the need for chemical weed killers and helps maintain a thick, green lawn.

Benefits of a Good Mulching Mower for the Environment

Switching to a good mulching lawn mower doesn’t just benefit your lawn – it’s also an eco-friendly choice. Here’s how:

Reduces Waste

Bagging lawn clippings contributes to landfill waste. By mulching with a lawn mower, you recycle grass clippings onto your lawn, reducing the burden on your local landfill/ recycling centre.

Cuts Down on Chemical Use

Since mulched grass acts as a natural fertiliser, it means less reliance on synthetic fertilisers, which can leach into water sources and cause environmental damage.

Decreases People’s Carbon Footprints

A good mulching lawn mower helps cut down on fuel and energy use by eliminating the need for frequent trips to dispose of grass clippings.

The Benefits of Owning a Mulching Lawn Mower for You

Apart from lawn and environmental benefits, using a top rated mulching mower saves time and effort. Here’s why so many homeowners love them:

Less Effort, More Convenience

With a mulching push mower, you eliminate the hassle of bagging grass clippings. There’s no need to stop mowing, empty bags, or deal with disposal.

Mulch Mowers Save You Money

Since mulching lawn mowers naturally fertilise the lawn, you spend less on lawn treatments and fertilisers.

Healthier Lawn with Minimal Work

Using a mulching lawn mower enhances soil health over time, leading to a thicker, greener lawn with fewer maintenance needs.

How to Get the Best Results with a Mulching Mower

Whether you’re using a cordless, electric or petrol mulching lawn mower (or mulching ride-on mower), follow these simple tips to get the best results:

Mow Regularly

Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass’s height at any one time. If the grass cuttings are too long, they might clump together instead of decomposing effectively.

Keep the Blades Sharp

The best mulching mowers have very sharp blades. Dull blades tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, affecting the quality of the mulch.

Mow When Dry

For optimal mulcher grass results, mow when the grass is dry. Wet grass clippings tend to stick together and may not distribute evenly.

Avoid Mulching Weeds and Diseased Grass

If your lawn has weeds or disease, bag the clippings to prevent them spreading before switching back to mulching grass.

When Not to Use a Mulching Mower

On this theme, while a good mulching mower is great for most lawns, there are times when bagging might be necessary:

• If the lawn has fungal disease, mulching can spread the problem further.
• When the grass is overgrown because long clippings may smother the lawn instead of decomposing efficiently.
• If weeds have gone to seed, mulching could lead to increased weed growth.
• After applying chemicals – if you’ve recently treated the lawn, avoid using lawn clippings as mulch in garden beds.

So, Is Mulching Good for Your Grass? Absolutely!

As you can see, buying a mulching lawn mower is a smart investment for anyone looking to maintain a lush, healthy lawn, while saving time, money, and effort. By mulching with a lawn mower, you recycle nutrients, improve soil quality, and reduce environmental impact – all without any extra work.

You can find all our best mulching push mowers, including Husqvarna and STIHL mulching mowers for sale, here. And if you’d prefer to add a mulch kit to you existing lawnmower, you’ll find them here.

Should your lawn be more extensive in size, why not take a look at our ride-on top rated mulching mowers here? And if you already own a rider but would like a mulching plug to go with it, you’ll find them here.