Mulching, bagging, and side discharge
Three ways a mower handles clippings.
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Mulching
University of Maryland Extension says a mulching mower chops clippings into fine pieces and returns them to the lawn. It says this is preferable to bagging because it returns organic matter and nutrients to the soil.
Side discharge
A side discharge mower sends clippings out of a chute on its side. University of Illinois Extension says conventional side-discharge mowers can be converted to mulching mowers.
Bagging
A bagging mower collects clippings in a grass catcher. K-State recommends collecting clippings when they are long and thick, when they interfere with use of an area, when returning them raises disease risk, or when the equipment requires collection.
Mulching has limits
Illinois Extension says mulching mowers do not perform at peak efficiency if the lawn is too tall or wet. K-State says a University of Illinois study found no benefit from a mulching mower over a conventional rotary mower when mowing frequency and nitrogen rates were appropriate.
Chutes and catchers
The AAP says to use a collection bag or a plate that covers the opening where grass is released. The CPSC says the rotary blade must be stopped before you remove clippings from the chute.
Sources: University of Maryland Extension, Maintaining an Established Lawn; University of Illinois Extension, Mowing Your Lawn; Kansas State University, Mowing; American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org, Lawn Mower Safety: Information for Families; CPSC, Power Lawn Mowers (Publication 5126, PDF).
FAQ
General information only. Read the operator's manual before you mow. Keep children and pets indoors or well away from the area you mow, and never let a child ride on a mower as a passenger. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that, in general, children should be at least 12 years old to operate a walk-behind power mower safely and at least 16 to operate a riding mower safely. Before you clear, adjust, or service the blade area, turn the mower off, wait for the blade to stop, and disconnect the spark plug wire; on a battery or corded electric mower, follow the manual to disconnect its power. Refuel outdoors, only with the engine off and cool. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and eye and hearing protection. In an emergency, call 911.
Next: grass clippings
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