The decision of whether to bag the first grass clippings of spring depends entirely on the current state of your lawn after winter dormancy and the amount of material that needs to be removed. While mulching returns nutrients during the growing season, the initial cut often presents unique challenges that favor removal. The presence of dense, matted organic matter or overly long grass blades makes bagging the most prudent choice for promoting a healthy start. Assessing the volume and nature of the material is the first step in determining the best approach for turf health.
Reasons to Remove Clippings
The primary goal of the first cut is to clear away debris that can suffocate the emerging grass blades and harbor disease. Over the winter, leaves, twigs, and dead grass tissue accumulate, forming a dense layer that blocks sunlight and air circulation. This matted debris can slow the warming of the soil, delaying the active growth phase of the turfgrass.
Leaving this winter accumulation on the lawn creates an ideal environment for fungal diseases to thrive. Pathogens responsible for conditions like snow mold can be spread by the mower if the infected material is chopped up and redistributed. Removing this material entirely helps to physically eliminate potential sources of infection before they can take hold in the new growth.
When the grass has been allowed to grow excessively tall, the clippings produced will be long and heavy. These large clippings fall in dense clumps that do not decompose quickly, effectively smothering the turf underneath. Such clumps block light penetration and trap moisture, which encourages yellowing or death of the underlying grass.
The heavy volume of clippings created by cutting overgrown grass contributes to the premature formation of thatch. An excessive amount of undecomposed material near the soil line impedes water and nutrient movement into the root zone. Bagging the first, heaviest clippings removes this bulk material, preventing an unhealthy thatch layer from developing early in the season.
Conditions Where Mulching Works
Mulching, or grasscycling, is the preferred method once the lawn is actively growing and free of heavy debris, as it returns valuable nutrients to the soil. Grass clippings contain approximately four percent nitrogen by weight, an essential macronutrient for turf health. When clippings are finely chopped, they quickly decompose, providing a slow-release, natural fertilizer that reduces the need for synthetic applications.
For mulching to be effective, the grass must be dry, and the one-third rule should be strictly followed. This rule dictates that you should never remove more than one-third of the grass blade’s total height in a single mowing session. Adhering to this principle ensures the clippings are short and light enough to filter down to the soil surface without clumping.
If the lawn was meticulously cleaned of winter debris in the fall or early spring, and the grass has only grown slightly above the desired height, mulching is a viable option for the first cut. The short, dry clippings will decompose rapidly, releasing their stored nitrogen and trace minerals back into the root zone.
Essential Pre-Mowing Preparation
Before starting the engine for the season’s first cut, several preparatory steps are necessary for a clean, healthy result.
Debris Removal
A thorough inspection of the lawn is needed to remove hidden debris, such as rocks, fallen branches, or children’s toys. These items can cause significant damage to the mower blade or be thrown dangerously.
Soil Conditions
Ensuring the ground is firm and not saturated with moisture is important. Mowing wet or soggy turf can cause the mower wheels to create ruts and compact the soil. Soil compaction restricts root growth and nutrient uptake, so wait until the ground is dry enough to walk on without leaving deep footprints.
Blade Maintenance and Height
The mower blade must be sharp, as a dull blade will tear and fray the grass tips instead of cleanly slicing them. Ragged, torn grass blades lose moisture more quickly and are more susceptible to disease infection. Sharpening or replacing a dull blade is a prerequisite for a healthy first cut. The mower deck should be set to a high cutting height to avoid scalping the grass and stressing the new growth.