With the onset of spring comes a task that some of us love and some of us hate. Yard work does not have to be a chore; it can be a labor of love. Having the tools to do the job make it easier, no matter how one approaches this task. Mulching mowers have changed the way people do the largest portion of their yard work. Gone are the days of having to rake and bag grass clippings.
Anyone who has ever visited an old farm and dug into a “grass heap” knows that, when covered, grass takes a long time to decompose. Bagging grass clippings and shipping them to the local landfill compounds this problem to the Nth degree. Landfills are designed for trash, not yard waste. Mulching mowers are the answer to this problem.
Mulching mowers come in all types of designs. Whether they are riding mowers, walk-behinds, self-propelled, or old fashioned push styles, mulching mowers are the most environmentally friendly on the market. No longer are the clippings that are expelled from a mower seen as “thatch causing” menaces. Today these same clippings are accepted for their quick decomposition and fertilizing quality.
Some tips are to be kept in mind when operating a mulching mower. Keep in mind these machines are designed to mulch, double-mulch, and in some cases triple mulch the grass once it is cut and before it hits the ground. For this process to work correctly, do not rush the cutting process. Do not force the mower to a speed that is unnatural for the terrain. Another tip is to keep the grass cut to a “regular” level and cut it at regular intervals, usually once every five to seven days. Also, set all the wheels on the mower to the same level. This may seem like an obvious tip, but it is surprising how often it is overlooked.
If the grass gets too high to “mulch” successfully, a good tip is to “cant” the mower by pushing down on the handle and keeping the front wheels off the ground. Quickly, but carefully, move over the high area, “topping” the grass (cutting it to a more workable level). If done correctly, the grass will be easier to re-cut; it will look good, and mulch perfectly.
A mandatory requisite for any mulching mower is a sharp blade. Have the blade on your mulching mower sharpened at least once a year. For the do-it-yourselfers, you can sharpen the blade with a quality rotary tool or grinder. The blade should be replaced in its entirety every three years or so. The mulching is all in the blade. This is the best way to keep a smooth and envied yard.
It is a proven fact that wet grass does not mulch. Try to cut/mulch the grass only if it has had approximately twenty-four hours to dry after a heavy rain. If cut while wet not only will the grass not cut/mulch properly, the mower will rip the grass out of the ground. This could cause unsightly patches and damage the turf. Grass may be resilient, but repeated abuse will kill it just like any other vegetation.
A mulching mower is not only beneficial to the environment, but it will cut the time spent on lawn care. Remember to buy a quality mower. These machines will last a long time with proper maintenance. Performance over time is the key. Just like a lawn, if taken care of, the rewards will be reaped for years to come.
