Mulching Grass

Remove the grass catcher from your lawnmower. (See Tips.)

Mow the outer edge of your lawn first and then mow in a circular pattern toward the center of your lawn area. This practice will reduce the amount of raking you must do to evenly distribute the clippings.

Purchase a mulching mower, which cuts your grass and serves as a vacuum that fans the clippings back inside for further cutting. Air pressure will later cause the clippings to fall to the ground.

Allow your lawn to dry before using a mulching mower and mow it soon after your last traditional mowing. Set the cutting height at about 2 inches on your mulching mower, which is generally higher than recommended for a mower that bags the grass.

Fertilize and water your mulched lawn less frequently than you would fertilize a lawn that you do not mulch: the nitrogen content of the clippings is high, and it is released slowly. As the clippings decompose, they add humus to the soil, which helps to retain water.