The organic nutrient supply to the lawn through mulching has long been controversial among hobby gardeners. In particular, the visual impairment and the risk of grass thatch were criticized. Find out here how modern mulching mowing easily solves the problem.
How does a lawnmower work for mulching?
A lawn mower with a mulching function shreds the clippings into tiny particles and distributes them back over the lawn. This returns valuable nutrients to the lawn, the green becomes denser and additional fertilizer is unnecessary. For optimal results, the lawn should be dry and short.
How a lawn mower with mulching function works
A classic lawn mower is equipped with a grass catcher basket to collect and dispose of the clippings. In this way, the lawn loses some of its valuable nutrients every time it is mowed. Not so with a mower with a mulching function. This device works according to the following principle:
- The cut grass is not collected
- Instead, the chopped clippings fall back onto the turf as mulch
- The nutrients contained in the grass clippings are then returned to the lawn
A lawn mower for mulching (€299.00 at Amazon) is equipped with a second cutting unit or has a specially shaped blade that shreds the clippings into tiny particles. Newer devices repeatedly direct the grass through the blade area using a special air stream. The most important prerequisite for successful mulching is a dry, short lawn. This results in regular mowing on average 20 times per season.
Mowing and fertilizing organically at the same time
While mulch mowing for the natural supply of nutrients has long been common practice in agriculture, hobby gardeners were reluctant to use this technique for their ornamental lawns. The main concern was that a well-groomed appearance would not be possible under a layer of mulch. In addition, the critics suspected an increased formation of thatch. A recent investigation instead revealed the following result:
- The lawn receives regular fertilization in an average of 20 small portions
- A lush green, vital turf develops
- Additional fertilizers can be dispensed with
- The proportion of grass species is maintained for a harmonious green area
- The dense growth effectively suppresses moss and weeds
The financial aspect should also not be underestimated. Since you don't have to buy fertilizers, you save around 30-35 euros per square meter per year.
Advantages and disadvantages at a glance
As part of a three-year series of tests conducted by the Vienna Institute for Landscape Development at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, a number of prejudices against the mulching mower were dispelled. However, some concerns still remain. The following overview of the advantages and disadvantages creates transparency:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| No more disposal of clippings | Frequent mowing required |
| Application of long-term fertilizer is not necessary | Best result only on short lawns |
| No leaching of nitrate into groundwater | Possible clumping on wet lawn |
| Vitalization of soil organisms | More complex to maintain |
| Saving time and money | |
| Grass structure remains intact | |
| Reduced moss and weed growth |
Tips & Tricks
When purchasing a lawn mower with a mulching function, the cutting height should be able to be flexibly adjusted, if possible beyond the normal 15 to 30 millimeters. For example, if the lawn is very high after vacation, mowing mulch only works if you can cut it gradually to 3-4 centimeters.