To Bag Or Not To Bag?

The answer is…BOTH! Now I know what you’re thinking. That was not a real answer and does not get you any closer to that dream lawn. The problem here is the question of whether to bag your lawn clippings or not is really the wrong question to be asking. The question you should be asking is “How often should I be bagging my lawn?” As we mow the grass clippings we leave behind that work their way into the grass become what is known as thatch. Isn’t thatch a bad thing? Too much thatch is a bad thing. In the right levels thatch is healthy for your lawn for two reasons. First, it can help insulate the roots and help hold moisture during dry periods. Secondly, as the thatch continues to break down it adds to the nutrient rich dark soil top layer of your lawn, which in turns creates a healthier turf. So some thatch is good, too much is bad.

So what is the right amount of thatch, and how often does that mean I need to bag? If you are using a 3-N-1 mulching blade that leaves fine clippings, and mow on a consistent schedule you can bag less. One out of every four mows. If you are using a standard blade you want to be at a  1-1 ratio of bagging and not. If you do not have a bagging capable lawn mower, don’t worry. Just keep mowing on the proper schedule basis and your lawn will do just fine! Bagging is not a must, as many would have you believe, but it can help maintain a clean, fuller lawn.