Mulching lawn mowers can save you time and money by doing two jobs at once: Not only do they cut grass the same way as a traditional lawn mower, they simultaneously turn the grass clippings into a natural fertilizer. These efficient mowers dice the grass clippings into tiny pieces that decompose quickly, providing valuable nutrients to your lawn. With a mulching mower, grass clippings are no longer an eyesore, and fertilizer needs for grass are reduced, too.
If you are considering purchasing a mulching lawn mower, here’s everything you need to know about these handy machines.
Types of Lawn Mowers
There are two main types of lawn mowers: Rotary and reel. Reel mowers are used almost exclusively by professionals on golf courses and highly manicured lawns, while rotary mowers provide the cutting power nearly everywhere else. Mulching mowers are a modification of traditional rotary mowers and are becoming more common.
University research found mulching mowers provide only a slight reduction in grass clipping decomposition time compared to a traditional rotary mower. So you may want to stick with your current machine until it is no longer functional before considering a mulching mower.
How a Mulching Lawn Mower Works
A traditional rotary mower—including push, self-propelled, and riding varieties—cuts grass and shoots the clippings out a side-discharge chute or the back of the mower. A mulching mower captures the grass clippings with the help of a mild vacuum under the mower deck. The clippings move around the whirling blades, where they are minced into tiny pieces. Then, the tiny clippings drop onto the lawn below the deck, where they decompose.
Mulching Mower Types
Mulching mowers are available as riding, push, and self-propelled models. The power source is an important consideration, as mulching mowers are available in electric or gas models.
Electric models can mow one-third acre or smaller lawns on a single charge. Larger lawns demand a gas model if you want to mow the entire lawn at one time. Significant power is required to mulch grass clippings, so the best electric mulching mowers have a 40-volt or larger battery. Look for a gas mulching mower with a 140 cubic centimeter engine for strong performance.
Tips for Using a Mulching Lawn Mower
Good mowing practices maximize the benefits of a mulching mower. Here are a few things to be mindful of when cutting grass and mulching the clippings back into the lawn.
Monitor Cutting Height
Cutting height is important when mowing with a mulching mower, just as it is when using a traditional lawn mower. Don’t expect a mulching mower to cut overly tall grass and then mince the long clippings into mulch. A mulching mower works best when you are cutting only 1 or 2 inches off the height of the grass.
Sharpen the Blades Annually
Sharp blades are responsible for a clean cut and a neat appearance when the mowing is complete. Sharpen the mower blades on your mulching mower at least once a season. The blades get a workout chopping the clippings multiple times; they’ll benefit from regular sharpening.
Avoid Wet Grass
It's always a good idea to avoid wet grass when mowing, but it's especially important with a mulching mower. Wait to mow until the grass is thoroughly dry. Wet grass clumps together as soon as it is cut, and the mulching mower won’t be able to chop the clippings as it is designed to do.
Analyze Fertilizer Needs
Fertilizer needs may decrease when you use a mulching mower, especially if you previously bagged and composted clippings and are now recycling them into the lawn. Check your turf’s actual nutrient needs with a soil test before applying any additional fertilizer product.