Introduction to Mulching Lawn Mowers

Mulching mowers work by turning grass clippings into fine shreddings which are left behind as a mulch rather than being collected. This mulch will break down over time, returning nutrients to the soil, promoting healthy grass without the need for chemical fertilisers. Mulching also helps to retain moisture in the soil making it more drought resistant.

How Mulching Lawn Mowers Work

A mulching lawn mower works in a very similar way to a conventional lawn mower. The crucial difference is the way a mulching lawn mower processes the grass clippings. Rather than simply depositing the cut grass into a collector a mulching lawn mower chops the clippings into very small pieces which are then simply left in situ as a mulch to help your lawn retain moisture as well as returning nutrients to the soil as the fine clippings break down and release nitrogen.

Benefits of Using Mulching Lawn Mowers

A Lawn Mower that mulches grass can be a real boon to the health of your lawn. Because the grass clippings are left behind and not collected as you mow you are liberated from repeated trips to the compost heap to deposit the grass that you have cut, saving you time and effort. Mulching also feeds your lawn and supresses weeds, promoting a greener, healthier, weed free lawn without the need to resort to chemical fertilisers and herbicides. This not only saves you money, it also reduces your environmental impact.

Types of Mulching Lawn Mowers

There are several types of mulching lawn mowers. A petrol mulching lawn mower will usually have more power, and of course can be operated without an external power supply for extended periods, which makes a mulching petrol lawn mower the most popular choice amongst landscaping professionals. 

Electric mowers that mulch tend to be lighter and less powerful than their petrol powered counterparts but are ideal for smaller lawns, which makes them popular for domestic use – they also tend to be quieter than petrol mowers which is another consideration in residential areas.

One advantage of a mulching mower is the time and effort it saves you by relieving you of the need to dispose of grass clippings. For a truly labour-saving lawn mowing experience, you might invest in a robotic mulching mower. These automated devices “graze” their way around your lawn, constantly clipping and mulching as they go so you never have to lift a finger.

Maintenance Tips for Mulching Lawn Mowers

Mulching lawn mowers do not require more maintenance than a conventional mower, but like any machinery, from humble mowers to a ride on brush cutters, they do need some basic upkeep. It is important to clean the mower after every use, paying careful attention to the blades to prevent a build-up of debris and grass clippings. While cleaning take the opportunity to inspect the blades to make sure that they are undamaged and have not become dulled. If they have, they will be less effective and so it is important to keep them sharp. Beyond that, it is a good idea to have your machine professionally serviced at the start of every growing season to ensure that your mulching mower is in peak condition.

FAQs

What is a mulching lawn mower, and how does it differ from a regular mower?

A mulching lawn mower is very similar way to a conventional lawn mower. The key difference is the way a mulching lawn mower processes the grass clippings. A mulching lawn mower will chop the clippings into tiny pieces which are left in situ as a mulch which helps your lawn retain moisture and returns nutrients back into the soil as the clippings break down and release nitrogen.

How does mulching benefit the health of my lawn?

The mulch deposited by a mulching mower  benefits the health of your lawn by helping to shield the base of the lawn from harsh sun, retaining moisture within the soil and returning nitrogen to the soil as it breaks down. Contrary to some misconceptions mulch does not contribute to the build up of thatch within the lawn because it breaks down so effectively.

Are mulching lawn mowers suitable for large lawns?

However large your lawn there will be a mulching mower that is the right size to tackle it. From small “pedestrian” mulching mowers that the operator walks behind to ride on models that can handle whole fields, there is a mulching lawn mower that is right for you.

How often should I mulch my lawn?

Regular mulching is important, but frequency should be adjusted by season. Ideally you would be mowing your lawn every week in the growing season, and your mulching mower will mow as it cuts. During the summer this is ideal, but in the winter when grass is largely dormant you can skip mulching altogether.

Can I mulch leaves and other debris with a mulching lawn mower?

Any organic matter can be mulched up by a mulching mower so long as it is small enough for the mower to run over. Leaves in particular can be very beneficial.