Grasscycling Explained

Grasscycling is a method of handling grass clippings by leaving them to decompose on the lawn when mowing. The term combines "grass" and "recycling", and had come into use by at least 1990,^[1] as part of the push to reduce the huge quantities of clippings going into landfills, up to half of some cities' summertime waste flow,^[2] as 1,000 square feet (93 m²) of lawn can produce 200 to 500 pounds (90 to 225 kg) of clippings a year.^[3]

Because grass consists largely of water (80% or more^[4]), contains little lignin, and has high nitrogen content, grass clippings easily break down during an aerobic process ^[5] (comparable to composting) and returns the decomposed clippings to the soil within one to two weeks, acting primarily as a fertilizer supplement and, to a much smaller degree, a mulch. Grass cycling can provide 15 to 20% or more of a lawn's yearly nitrogen requirements.^{[6] [7]} Proponents also note that grasscycling reduces the use of plastic bags for collecting yard waste and reduces trips to the curb or landfill to haul waste.^[8]

Techniques

Optimal grasscycle techniques include:^[9]

• Cutting no more than 1/3 the length of the grass, this means when lawns are growing fast, mowing about twice a week.^[10]
• Cutting when the grass is dry to the touch
• Cutting when the height is between 3 and 4 inches (7 to 10 cm), once per week.
• Ensuring that the mower blade is sharp

Although a mulching mower can make grass clippings smaller, one is not necessary for grasscycling.

See also

• Compost
• Recycling

External links

• What Is Grasscycling?
• Natural Grass Killers

Notes and References

1. Web site: Grasscycling definition/etymology. 2007-05-25. 2014-07-16. https://web.archive.org/web/20140716054916/http://www.wordspy.com/words/grasscycling.asp. dead.
2. Web site: Denver Recycle Grasscycle. 2007-05-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20100905191126/http://www.denvergov.org/recoth/GrassCycle/tabid/425972/Default.aspx. 2010-09-05. dead.
3. Web site: Rivanna Solid Waste Authority Grasscycling Info . 2007-05-25 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070930161007/http://avenue.org/rswa/grasscycle.htm . 2007-09-30 . dead .
4. Web site: Grasscycling FAQ. 2007-05-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20091128112309/http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Organics/GrassCycling/FAQ.htm. 2009-11-28. dead.
5. Web site: Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Processes. Scoville. Heather. About Education. About.com. April 17, 2015. O2NoO2.
6. Web site: Grasscycle!. 2007-05-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20120216171050/http://www.reelmowersetc.com/grasscycle!.htm. 2012-02-16. dead.
7. Web site: California Integrated Waste Management Board - What is grasscycling?. 2007-05-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20091221190115/http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/organics/grasscycling/default.htm. 2009-12-21. dead.
8. Web site: King County Experience: Grasscycling. 2007-05-25. https://web.archive.org/web/19991105152701/http://www.metrokc.gov/procure/green/rjcgrass.htm. 1999-11-05.
9. Web site: Bay Delta Grass Recycling Campaign. 2007-05-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20120212231333/http://www.abag.ca.gov/bayarea/grass/grasstips.html. 2012-02-12. dead.
10. Web site: How Often Should You Mow Your Lawn? - For Dummies. www.dummies.com. 2016-02-29.