What Blades to Use With a Mulching Kit?

Mulching Blades

• The heart of any mulching mower is the blade. A mulching attachment can hold one or two blades, depending on the maker and the size of the mowing deck. The blades, rather than being flat on the bottom, are wavy. The blades cut at different heights and force cut grass up into the mower's housing so it gets cut over and over again. The result is finely shredded grass, rather than whole, single grass blades, which is almost invisibly left on the lawn.

Benefits

• As clippings decompose, they naturally feed the lawn, reducing the need for fertilization. From an environmental perspective, this reduces fertilizer runoff and groundwater penetration. In hot summers, they shade tender grass roots and conserve moisture, reducing the need for irrigation. As a simple matter of convenience, a mulching mower eliminates the need for regular raking.

Use

• Once the mulching kit has been installed, the mower is used in the normal manner. Most mulching kits come with a plastic cover that goes over the exhaust opening on the side. This keeps the grass from escaping before they are pulverized.

Blade Selection

• Some mulching mowers and mulching kits come with blades included. You'll only need to replace the blades when they can no longer be sharpened by a professional. You must use the same make and model of blade from the same manufacturer because they are very specific. If you're unsure about which blades to buy, it's just like purchasing auto parts -- you simply ask your lawn equipment professional for guidance in selecting the right product.