The rains that recently hit Baltimore have kicked lawn mowing season into high gear. When tackling your lawn this summer, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) encourages you to grasscycle! Grasscycling is easy: just cut the grass high, and let the clippings lie.

Grasscycling is a win for everyone. It saves time on yard rakings, keeps grass and plastic lawn bags out of the waste stream, prevents soil erosion, and nourishes the lawn. Plus, grasscycling protects the waterways by slowing polluted runoff, and makes your grass grow thicker and healthier.
 
Here are a few tips for successful grasscycling: 

• When mowing, let grass clippings stay on the lawn. Grass clippings decompose rapidly and nourish the lawn, making it greener and healthier.
• Mow your grass when it is between 3 and 4 inches tall. Grass grows thicker and healthier when it is kept at 3” tall.      
• Use a mulching mower. Traditional and manual lawnmowers are also effective as long as you keep the blades sharp.
• Mow at least once a week during peak growing season.
• Mow your lawn when the grass is dry. Wet grass produces clumps that can smother the grass and clog your lawn mower.