GrassCycling

Today's Turf - Tommorrow's Earth

Grasscycling is a responsible environmental practice

It provides an environmentally important opportunity for you to reduce curbside waste. Yardwaste accounts for almost 12% of the County's solid waste landfilled; grass clippings make up more than half of that amount.

Why Grasscycle?

By leaving grass clippings on your lawn, you can save 25-35 minutes each time you mow and save money (no bags to purchase). The clippings return nutrients to the soil and improve lawn quality. Lawn care professionals recommend grasscycling for a greener, healthier lawn. Plus, all mowers can grasscycle - simply remove your mower's collection bag. Many manufacturers have attachments or special designs that improve a mower's grasscycling performance.

Grasscycling is great because...

Clippings do not cause thatch, which is a thick buildup of roots due to over-fertilizing. Clippings won't damage your lawn when you mow regularly and at the proper height. Grasscycling doesn't spread lawn diseases. Disease spores are present whether clippings are removed or returned.

For More Information, contact:

• Home and Garden Center
  University of Maryland, Cooperative Extension Service
  800-342-2507
  
  
• Howard County Master Gardeners
  University of Maryland, Cooperative Extension Service
  410-313-2707
  
  
• Howard County Department of Public Works
  Bureau of Environmental Services
  410-313-6444
  (TTY 313-2323)