Mulching vs. Collecting - a contractor's dilemma - Forum

Despite evidence that leaving lawn clippings is good for turf, landscape companies sometimes face the mulch-or-collect dilemma

One option is to "walk" through the options here and discuss with your client:

If you do collect…

"There are many benefits to leaving clippings on the lawn. For example, mulching returns essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, back to the soil. However, sometimes bagging is a contractor’s only option based on client requirements. Bagging is very important for contractors concerned about lawn care aesthetics, as collection systems work lawns like vacuum cleaners for your carpet, removing and storing clippings as the mower moves along, leaving a nice freshly cut lawn. Collection systems also may improve striping patterns and are a benefit for companies that operate in areas where lawn debris can be difficult to mulch or when Autumn leaf season rolls around" according to John Dere Mowers.

Regardless, experts agree lawn clippings, when bagged, should be kept out of landfills. If you do decide to bag, be sure to compost and reuse on site. The nitrogen in clippings is a valuable addition to compost, according to Turf specialists.Failing that another option is to dump clippings at a legititmate composting facility vs. a landfill.

Source: Landscape Management

Replies

PRO

Richard Gadsby October 7, 2015 at 10:34am

I've been pushing mulching this year with only a few letting me do it! The lawns have generally looked better for it as long as they have been kept short!
PRO

Busy Bee Garden Services Limited October 7, 2015 at 7:39pm

We have mulched for 3 years now and to be honest most clients don't notice and has improved lawns when they do nothing to them as well as saving time and fuel
James Brett October 8, 2015 at 6:53am

I mulch as much as I can. Some of my work I don't need to ask. As long as the finish is good then all is well :)

It can more than half my time cutting some days. Obviously in the wet it's not so good though....
Peter October 10, 2015 at 3:16pm

I mulch on most if I can, now and again I will box if I want to add some to their compost bin. I mulch into Autumn and find that even the chopped up leaves are taken into the ground and overall I think it's a benefit.
Anthony Toop October 16, 2015 at 7:57pm

I'd like to try a bit of mulching but im not sure if its possible with my mower, its a 2005 model year, Etesia pro46 PHTS.

Did they ever do a blanking plug for the collection chute on these older models? and i guess a dedicated mulching blade would also be required?

Ive always collected over the years as that's what people seem to want, im happy and able to take the waste away, but it is starting to wear a bit thin, the trips to the dump etc
- David Cox > Anthony Toop October 16, 2015 at 11:32pm
  
  I did briefly use a PHTB as a mulcher - but buggered the blade on a brick i recall.
  
  It worked wlel but was not forgiving on longer grass - ideal on a weekly cut, not worth it on longer grass, it coped mulching dampish grass too which most other mulchers dont/
  IIRC it did belch the odd grass ball if the grass cut removed, was more than 20mm.