“Why you should avoid raking grass clippings…” from Bob Mann

The following article appeared on the front page of USA TODAY, the Thursday, May 2, 2019 edition, featuring a conversation with Bob Mann with NALP and a member of MALCP.

“If you’re cleaning up grass clippings after mowing the lawn, you’re likely losing money and wasting time.

That’s because grass clippings hold valuable nutrients that can fertilize your lawn, experts say.

Bob Mann, an agronomist with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, said it’s become “sexy” to pick up grass clippings, as some consider cut grass unsightly. But, he said clearing clippings removes as much as one third of fertilizer needed for healthy lawns.

“If you have the opportunity to save a third on anything, why wouldn’t you take that,” he said.

People concerned about appearance can opt for a mulching mower, he suggested, as those cut grass finely. Still, grass cut with a rotary mower won’t stick around for long.

“Grass clippings are made of very soft tissue that decomposes rapidly,” Mann said.

While letting grass clippings lie is best, there are two reasons you might want to retrieve them. First, if your grass has lawn disease, it’s best to remove clippings so the disease doesn’t spread, Scotts Lawn Care notes. Second, never let grass clippings blow into roads or walkways, because — healthy or not — the grass blades high in nutrients can cause problems for sewers and waterways. “

To see the article in the on-line version of USA TODAY, click here.