Expert: Greg - 10/18/2002

Question
How long does it take grass cutting etc to decompose. At what point is is useable as a fertiliser and if left alone will it eventually dissapear or disolve.

Answer
Hello Bernard

The Speed of Decomposition of Grass Clippings depends on a few factors. Heat and Moisture are the 2 most critical.

Grass Clippings are mostly Nitrogen, and if left on the Lawn after mowing, they will Decompose over time. The Smaller the Clippings the faster they will Decompose, so if you have a Mulching Mower, the clippings will be smaller and Decompose quicker.

If you Mulch every time you mow, and leave the clippings on the Lawn, you can consider that as one Fertilizer Feeding per Year. Thats how benifitial Mulching can be


Hope this helps, but if I have missed something, don't hesitate to do a follow-up. The Best of Luck.....Greg