How to Choose Between Mulching vs Catching Grass
Choosing the right lawn mowing method is key to maintaining a healthy, attractive lawn. So, what are the differences between mulching and catching grass, and how do you know which option will best support your lawn?
Each method has its benefits and limitations. Mulching involves using a lawn mower that finely chops grass clippings and returns them to the lawn. Since grass clippings are good for mulch, this approach is appealing to those looking to nourish and support their lawn’s health naturally. Catching grass, on the other hand, uses a mower that collects clippings as you mow, keeping your lawn neat and free of debris.
Read on to explore the key differences between mulching vs catching grass, when each method is most appropriate, and the factors to consider for your lawn care needs.
Catching Grass
Advantages of catching grass
A tidier look: Catching grass means your freshly cut lawn is free of clippings, giving it a clean, polished appearance. This tidy look can enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Allergy control: Many people are sensitive to the grass in New Zealand. Catching clippings instead of mulching can help reduce pollen exposure, allowing you to enjoy more time outdoors without allergy flare-ups.
Limitations of catching grass
Extra time spent on the lawn: Mowing the lawn can consume hours of your valuable weekend. Catching grass takes longer than mulching due to the additional step of manually removing the clippings. An experienced online gardening service can take care of this for you, saving you time and effort.
Clipping disposal: Grass clippings can quickly pile up from a single bag to several. Disposing of them requires extra effort and may incur costs if you need to take them to a disposal site, arrange for a gardening service to handle them, or rely on a friend or family member.
Mulching Grass
Key advantages of mulching grass
Time and energy saved: Mulching grass is a faster way of mowing your lawn because you don’t need to stop and start as you go. This leaves you more time to enjoy your outdoor spaces and reduces the tedium of lawn maintenance.
Supporting the environment: Mulching grass can help minimise soil erosion and reduce the need for synthetic fertilisers. Redistributing your clippings can also make your lawn more resilient against the elements.
Limitations of mulching grass
Unsuitable against diseases: This method of mowing risks spreading fungal diseases in your lawn by returning possibly infected clippings. Catching is a better option for lawns showing signs of disease, which a cheap lawn mowing service can handle for you.
Weather dependencies: Mulching is unsuitable for lawns that are still wet or moist following rainfall. Waiting for the lawn to dry can disrupt your own mowing schedule.
Deciding between mulching and catching grass
Mulching and catching grass have distinct advantages and disadvantages, but how do you decide when to choose either option? First, assess your lawn and consider factors such as:
Time and energy spent: Catching grass requires an extra step compared to mulching, which automatically sends the grass back to the lawn.
Lawn health and diseases: If your lawn has been struggling with fungal diseases, mulching the grass clippings can help spread them further. If your lawn is disease-free and could use extra nutrients, mulching will be more beneficial than catching the clippings and disposing of them.
Aesthetic preferences: Catching grass is recommended for those wanting a well-trimmed, manicured look. If aesthetics are less important to you, a well-mulched lawn can still look tidy.
Lawn height: Mulching is less effective when the grass on your lawn is tall. Grass can clump while mulching, slowing you down or impeding the mower’s performance. However, if the grass is short or medium in length, mulching can be effective.
Seasonal factors: Seasonal timing can guide when to mulch or catch grass. Mulching in summer can help boost your lawn’s natural barrier against the sun, protecting the soil from extreme temperatures. Mulching in the colder or wetter months can make your lawn susceptible to diseases.
Lawn moisture: Avoid mulching if it has just rained or the ground is still wet. Mulching could help spread the disease in wet conditions or disrupt your equipment.
Environmental impacts: If prioritising environmental sustainability in your outdoor space is important to you, mulching could be the more eco-friendly choice.
Let Express Lawnmowing maintain your lawn for you
Both mulching and catching grass clippings have merits in lawn maintenance. These options aren’t mutually exclusive, and a combination of both throughout the year could be the most strategic approach.
A professional lawn mowing service can assess your gardens and decide whether catching or mulching grass is more suitable. Taking into account your preferences and the condition of your lawn, our operators at Express Lawnmowing can help your lawn thrive and look its best. Don’t hesitate to reach out today for a free, no-obligation quote.