The organic nutrient supply of the lawn by mulching has long been a controversial topic among hobby gardeners. In particular, the visual impairment and the danger of lawn thatch were criticized. You can find out here how modern mulch mowing easily solves the problem.

This is how a lawnmower with a mulching function works

A classic lawn mower is equipped with a grass catcher box to collect and dispose of the clippings. In this way, the lawn loses some of its valuable nutrients with each mowing. 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 (€239.00).
  • The nutrients contained in the grass clippings are thus returned to the lawn

A lawn mower for mulching is equipped with a second cutting unit or has a specially shaped blade that breaks up the clippings into tiny particles. Newer devices use a special airflow to force the grass repeatedly through the blade area. The most important prerequisite for successful mulch mowing is a dry, short lawn. This results in regular mowing averaging 20 times per season.

Mow and organically fertilize 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. First and foremost, it was feared that a neat appearance under a layer of mulch would not be possible. In addition, the critics suspected an increased formation of lawn thatch. Instead, a recent study found the following:

  • 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 ratio of the grass types is maintained for a harmonious green area
  • The dense growth effectively suppresses moss and weeds

The financial aspect should not be underestimated either. Since you do not 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 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. Nonetheless, some concerns remain. The following overview of the advantages and disadvantages creates transparency:

benefits disadvantage
No more disposal of clippings Frequent mowing required
Administration of slow-release fertilizer is not required Best result only on short lawns
No leaching of nitrate into the groundwater Possible clumping when the lawn is wet
Vitalization of soil organisms More complex to maintain
Saving time and money
Grass structure is preserved
Reduced moss and weed growth

tips and tricks

When purchasing a lawnmower with a mulching function, the cutting height should be adjustable, if possible beyond the normal 15 to 30 millimeters. For example, if the lawn is very high after the holiday, mulch mowing only works if you can gradually cut it to 3-4 centimeters.

Category:

Garden design