Should I mulch or side discharge?

If you're mowing large, open areas, where you can direct cut grass back onto your lawn as fertilizer, side discharge is the best choice for lawn health. Mulching mowers are more specialized and typically work more slowly and yield less pristine cuts than side discharge.

Can I use mulching blades with side discharge?

Mulching blades are sometimes called “all purpose” or “3-in-1” blades because you can use them to mulch, bag, or side discharge. Standard blades are called 2-in-1 blades because you can use them to either bag or side discharge the grass.

Is it better to bag grass or mulch it?

The verdict is in from gardeners, environmentalists, and scientists: Don't bag your grass clippings. Let them mulch your yard. Your lawn and the environment will both be happier for it. In the not-too-distant past, the standard advice was the opposite.

Is side discharge better than rear discharge?

Side discharge mowers do have their advantages, but they tend to be better suited to certain niche tasks. In general, most people will find themselves happier with a rear discharge ride-on mower. Probably the most compelling reason to opt for a rear discharge mower is that you'll be able to mow alongside obstructions.

When should I use a mulching mower?

Any blades should work when bagging, but if you want finer pieces, you should use a mulching blade. Most of the time, mulching your clippings is the best option. You should bag your clippings if the grass is tall, leaves are covering the lawn, or you need to prevent disease and weeds from spreading.

Mulching vs Side Discharge - Why I Prefer To Side Discharge When Mowing

Are mulching blades better?

The main thing that a regular blade can do better than a mulching blade is in generating lift. Regular blades typically provide “medium lift” (it's possible to buy high lift blades if you need more), and this is the reason why they're considered the better option if you're going to bag your clippings every time.

Does mulching spread weeds?

If you decide to mulch and there will be seeds left behind, it will spread the weed seeds around to completely disperse them across your lawn. This will create a much larger infestation than you had before and might ruin your lawn.

How often should you mulch your yard?

Don't Use Too Little or Too Much Mulch

About 3 inches of mulch is recommended for beds, and Becker recommends mulching twice a year. Mulching with the right amount each time will help fend off weeds and conserve moisture, which will reduce your need to irrigate.

Should grass cuttings be left on the lawn?

It's a question we all face when mowing the grass: Should I bag my clippings or leave them on the lawn? In most cases, the answer is easy. Recycle the grass clippings by leaving them on the lawn. Doing so will not only save you time and energy, but will also return valuable nutrients to the lawn.

Do I need side discharge?

If you're mowing large, open areas, where you can direct cut grass back onto your lawn as fertilizer, side discharge is the best choice for lawn health. Mulching mowers are more specialized and typically work more slowly and yield less pristine cuts than side discharge.

Why does my mulching mower leave clumps of grass?

1 – It's too wet

Heavy mowers will start to sink into the grass and whip up moisture as they cut your grass, which causes grass to clump in matted wet wads that clog the deck of your mower and its catcher.

Can mulching blades be used without a mulching kit?

You can use mulching blades with a bagging system, but the bag won't catch as many grass clippings. Mulching blades don't scoop the grass as efficiently as regular blades, but there are 3-in-1 mulching blades that can send the cut grass to the bag, side discharge, or mulch.

Does raking dead grass help it grow?

Raking dead grass helps it grow because it invites water, nutrients, and sunlight to the soil. It also reduces the thatch layer, making way for new grass seeds, roots, and more. However, don't rake it too often or you'll risk damaging fragile living grass blades.

How can I thicken my lawn?

Should I water grass after cutting?

While it's definitely fine to water after mowing the lawn, you should avoid watering before you mow.

Should you remove old mulch every year?

So, should you remove old mulch? Expert green thumbs contend that getting rid of last year's mulch is completely unnecessary. Mulch gradually breaks down, adding beneficial nutrients and other organic matter to the soil. Removing pre-existing mulch every year only ends up to be extra work and a needless expense.

Will mulch attract termites?

Does Mulch Attract Termites? While the material itself does not draw termites to the area, mulch spread over three inches deep creates an inviting habitat for the pests. Layers of organic matter trap heat and moisture next to the ground. Termites use this thick mulch as shelter from harsh weather.

What should I put down before mulching?

Does side discharge spread weeds?

It is more fuel-efficient to discharge clippings, and you will likely see a better cut in less time. As with the other options, let's revisit the 3 questions to learn when to side discharge: Weeds – This one is obvious to you by now, you will be potentially spreading the weed sprigs and seeds around.

Does mowing lawn spread weeds?

Does Mowing Spread Weeds in the Lawn? Yes, mowing can spread weeds as the blade propels the seeds 5 to 10 feet away from the cutting zone. Weeds and weed seeds can also get stuck on the deck and the under-carriage of your lawn mower. The seeds can fall and germinate in other parts of your lawn thus spreading faster.

Does mowing prevent weeds?

Mowing above the height of actively growing grasses allows seed production and unrestricted growth; this maintains vigor needed to minimize reinvasion by noxious weeds. Defoliating the weeds reduces seed production and vigor, increasing resources available for neighboring grasses.

Are Gator blades better than mulching blades?

Unlike other mulching blades that push the grass down, the high lift on a gator blade draws the grass up which in turn gives you a clean, even cut. This high lift also makes using Gator Blades in bagging operations a great choice.

Why does my mower leave a row of grass between two blades?

Rows or streaks of uncut grass in your lawn may be the result of your lawnmower's cutting blades being dull or otherwise damaged. Dull blades are the result of normal wear and tear from mowing. The blades can be sharpened with a bench grinder by you or a professional.

Can you bag grass with mulching blades?

Mulching blades, also known as 3-in-1 blades, can be used to bag, discharge, or mulch grass clippings. Mulching blades feature more curves and an increased cutting edge.

Can I just throw grass seed down on existing lawn?

Can you just sprinkle grass seed on top of your existing lawn? While it's possible to simply sow the new grass seed over your existing lawn, taking the time to prepare your lawn beforehand will increase the likelihood of seed germination and improve your end result.