GrassCycling

Lawn Mowers

All mowers can GrassCycle but if you are planning to purchase a new mower consider a mulching mower. Mulching mowers have a special blade that chops clippings numerous times before forcing them into the soil. If you are using a mower with a collection bag, remove the bag but check that your mower has a safety flap covering the opening where the bag was. If your mower does not have this flap, local lawn and garden stores sell retrofit kits, kits that convert regular mowers into mulching ones. Please remember that SAFETY comes first and not following these safety measures can result in serious injury. Today there are numerous mulching mowers on the market. Even mowers that are not specifically designed for mulching now come with retrofit kits or simple conversions.

For added environmental benefits you may also want to consider an electric mower. Electric mowers save money on gas and oil as well as reduce air pollution. Conventional gas powered mowers pollute as much in an hour as 40 late model cars. Users of gas lawn and garden machines also inadvertently spill an estimated 17 million gallons of fuel each year. That is more petroleum than spilled by the Exxon Valdez in the Gulf of Alaska. Plus the average cost of energy to a cordless mower is only $3 each year. Most electric mowers have rechargeable batteries so there is no danger of cords. You may want to look into push, or reel, mowers. They have been updated, are inexpensive and very effective as mulching mowers.

No matter which lawn mower you decide upon it is important to make sure that the blade is kept sharp. Sharpen blades after every third mowing, or at least once a month. Dull mower blades tear the grass blade, injuring the plant and causing ragged, brown edges on the top of the turf. next