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  re mulching grass clippings


  February 14, 2015

  It takes a little practice to mulch grass clippings.  Make sure your 
  mower is designed to mow safely without a bag.  Follow the 
  manufacturers safety guidelines.  Clean the mower and sharpen the blade.

  Its really the mower itself that determines the proper mowing height. 

  Start by setting the bottom edge of the cutting deck 2" above a flat
  concrete surface.

  The cutting deck should be level, or just slightly higher in front.

  The secret is to now carefully adjust the mowing height
  to the lowest possible setting that does not drag, lug the motor,
  shred the lawn or leave generally visible grass clippings.

  Test the performance of the mower.  If any of the above problems are noted,
  raise the mower - a half-notch (if this feature is available) at a time -
  first the front, then if nescessary raise the rear.  Repeat adjustments  
  until the mower cuts properly.

  If the mower is performing properly, but the grass does not look evenly 
  mowed, lower the cutting height, in reverse order as noted above - first
  the back, then the front.  Its also possible a wheel may have just
  slipped out of its notch.

  Once the mower is at the lowest setting at which it cuts properly,
  double check the mowing deck to make sure it is reasonably level.
  Observe the results as you mow, and adjust the height if needed.

  Don't try to force the mower to cut too low.  Instead mow twice over,
  lowering the mower slightly on the second cut.  This will also be the case
  if the lawn is a little wet.

  Different area's of the lawn may require readjustment of the mowing height.

  By mulching your clippings you will conserve nutrients and organic matter 
  which will be returned to the soil.  You will need less fertilizer 
  to maintain your lawn.

  I do not recommend trying to make your home lawn look like a putting green.
  Longer grass will have a deeper root system, which is a major plant health 
  consideration.  Longer grass will also help shade out weeds.

  By the way, a manual push reel mower does a nice job, if your weeds are 
  under control, and you mow your lawn regularly.  There may be some 
  grass types that just won't cut right with a manual mower.


  Keeping a reel mower properly adjusted is essential. You can test it 
  by flipping it over and very carefully spin the blade and cut strips of
  paper at various points along the reel.
 
  Don't get your fingers caught in the reel.  It can happen.
 
  The blades should cut evenly all along the reel, without binding.

  There will be screws or some type of adjustment mechanism to slightly
  move the reel closer or further away from the bar, as needed.

  If your reel mower still isn't cutting well, take it to a shop 
  for sharpening.

  - don