SACRAMENTO, Calif. - University studies have shown that the average California lawn generates 300 to 400 pounds of grass clippings per 1,000 square feet annually. This can be as much as eight tons per acre each year. Significant quantities of water, fertilizer and labor go into producing all those clippings, yet the nutrient advantages of clippings are lost if they are thrown away. By practicing responsible turf management, including "grasscycling," landscape contractors can reduce those inputs and, at the same time, eliminate the waste.
WHAT IS GRASSCYCLING? Grasscycling is the natural practice of leaving clippings on the lawn when mowing. This practice can save resources like landfill space, but there are additional benefits as well. The clippings quickly decompose, returning nutrients to the soil. Grasscycling, in conjunction with the practice of reducing water and fertilizer inputs, can reduce mowing time in addition to disposal costs.
Many people treat their lawns like a "crop" - they overwater and overfertilize their lawns to encourage excessive growth. The harvested "crop" (those grass clippings) is then bagged and transported to a landfill. However, proper mowing, watering and fertilizing practices result in more moderate turf growth yet still produce a healthy, green lawn. Grasscycling can be practiced on any healthy lawn as long as responsible turf management guidelines are followed.
The nitrogen contained in grass clippings removed from a lawn almost equals the recommended application rate for healthy turf (about 5 pounds of nitrogen per year per 1,000 square feet). While some of this nitrogen is lost through the decomposition of the clippings, leaving the clippings on the lawn by grasscycling can have the overall impact of reducing fertilization requirements by 15 to 25 percent or more. Similar savings on water use are possible.
RESPONSIBLE TURF MANAGEMENT. Responsible turf management refers to installing and maintaining a lawn in an environmentally sound and cost-effective manner. By doing it right from the start, turf can be managed with only moderate water and fertilizer requirements and the headaches of thatch removal and disease control can also be minimized.
INSTALLATION. By preparing the area correctly before laying turf or seeding, long term management can be eased significantly. Make sure that the area has good drainage, achieved though proper grading and underground conduits. Avoid installing turf on berms or severe slopes unless necessary. Other drought-resistant ground covers might serve the purpose better than turf. Whether native soils are sandy or clay, the turf will benefit from the addition and deep tilling of well-composted organic material. This helps the soil and grass plants better manage water and nutrients. Allowing for deep root growth will contribute to overall turf health and resilience.
This article was excerpted from a newsletter produced by the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Integrated Waste Management Board.
