- Leave Them Lie (Grasscycling)
Fertilize your lawn by leaving your grass clippings where they lie. Grass clippings are rich in nitrogen (N), a major nutrient required for plant growth. According to studies conducted at the University of Minnesota, "Clippings left on the lawn gradually decompose over a 3-to 4-week period and the nutrients in them are recycled, reducing the need for fertilizer by about 1 lb. N/1000 sq. ft. per year." This means that leaving clippings on your lawn all season is the same as one fertilizer application.
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- Compost Them
Composting is the natural recycling process that you can begin at home with leaves, grass clippings, and other lawn and garden waste. Grass clippings are high in nitrogen and can be used as one of the green yard wastes when making a compost pile.
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- Use Them For Mulch
Mulches offer your garden and landscapes many benefits from moisture retention to temperature moderation to erosion prevention. Yard wastes such as grass clippings (unless recently treated with a herbicide or pesticide), leaves, and chipped or shredded brush and branches can be used as organic mulches. Organic mulches are usually applied 3 inches deep over the soil and around plants to achieve the benefits of mulching.
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- Reduce Them (Alternative Landscaping)
Alternative landscaping requires less maintenance and water use, and creates less yard waste. Not only that but it could mean a beautiful yard that attracts more birds, butterflies, and small animals by providing shelter and natural food. Start small in your own yard to see what you think.
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