Save Time and Money...While Reducing Waste!

Did you know that a 1/2 acre lawn in New England produces over 3 tons or nearly 260 bags of grass clippings each year? Think of all the time, money and effort it would take to bag all those clippings. Why go through all the hassle when it's really not necessary?

You can have a healthy green lawn by leaving grass clippings where they fall. It's simple...grass clippings left on the lawn will decompose and act as a natural organic fertilizer. This allows you to reduce the amount of commercial fertilizer you need to apply. Your lawn will still be healthy and green because each time you mow, you will be returning valuable nutriants to the soil!

Mowing Techniques and Tips

Keep your grass mowed 2'-3' tall.

Keep your mower blade sharp because dull mowers tear the grass blade, injuring the plant, and create brown-ish cast to the turf.

If the grass gets just a bit to high, simply mow over the clippings a second time to further shred and scatter them.

If excessive growth occurs between mowings, raise the mower height, mow and then gradually lower it over a span of several mowings. This will help reduce shock to the plants.

What About Thatch?
Watering Practices
Don't worry about grass clippings contributing to thatch problems. Turf experts nationwide agree that clippings do not produce thatch because they are 80% water and decompose quickly. Rather, thatch is the accumulation of dead roots and stems and is most often caused by over fertilizing and over watering. A thatch layer of more than 1/2' should be removed as a mattter of healthy lawn maintenance.
If you choose to water, 1 inch of water is adequate to wet the soil to a depth of 4''-6''. Place an empty can under the sprinkler to measure when an inch has been applied. If water begins to run off the lawn before an inch is applied, turn off the water and let it soak in for an hour or so, then resume watering until 1'' is applied.
Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Light, frequent watering encourages shallow roots and may lead to increased disease and stress injury.
The best time to water is in the morning because less water is lost through evaporation and transportation.
Avoid watering during mid-day and try not to water in the evening since a lawn the remains damp during the night is more prone to disease.

Elf's Landscaping
P.O. Box 72666
Rochester, NH 03839

1-800-345-9797

1-603-332-8324