If you’ve ever wondered whether leaving grass clippings on the lawn is helping or harming it, you’re not alone. Mulching, the process of cutting grass finely and redistributing the clippings back into the soil, divides opinion among gardeners. Some swear by the healthier, greener results, while others worry about clumps, thatch, or weeds.
So, is mulching actually good for lawns? The short answer is yes, when it’s done properly. Mulching recycles valuable nutrients, saves time, and supports a more sustainable garden. But it also comes with a few caveats, and knowing the right way to mulch makes all the difference between a lush, thriving lawn and one that struggles.
In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of mulching, answer the most common questions, and share best practices to help you decide whether mulching is right for your lawn.
What is Lawn Mulching?
Mulching is a mowing technique where the grass clippings are cut into tiny pieces and left on the lawn instead of being collected in a bag or discharged to the side. Unlike traditional mowing, where you end up with heaps of clippings to dispose of, mulching keeps everything in the soil where it can break down naturally.
The idea is simple. Every time you mow, you’re returning essential nutrients, like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, back into the ground. Over time, this feeds the soil, improves its structure, and helps your lawn stay greener and healthier without the need for as much fertiliser.
It’s worth noting that mulching isn’t the same as leaving long grass clumps scattered across the garden. With the right mower and sharp blades, clippings are shredded so finely that they settle into the turf almost invisibly.
EGO’s robot lawn mowers are designed to mulch as it goes, keeping your lawn neat while also recycling those valuable nutrients straight back into the soil.
If you’d like to learn more, take a look at our guide: What is mulching (and why you might try it)
Pros of Mulching Your Lawn
Done properly, mulching is one of the simplest ways to keep your lawn looking greener and healthier. Here’s why many gardeners prefer it:
- Nutrient recycling: Mulching returns finely cut grass clippings straight back into the soil. As they break down, they release nitrogen, potassium, and other nutrients that feed your lawn naturally, which reduces the need for added fertilisers.
- Improved moisture retention: A thin mulch layer shades the soil surface, slowing evaporation and helping roots stay hydrated for longer, especially in warm or dry spells.
- Time saved: With no bags to empty or trips to the compost heap, mowing and mulching in one pass makes lawn care quicker and simpler.
- Healthier soil: As mulched clippings decompose, they add organic matter that improves soil structure. This makes it better at holding nutrients and resisting compaction.
- Less waste: Instead of bagging and binning clippings, you’re recycling them directly back into your lawn - greener for your grass and the environment.
Tip: The EGO Power+ range of cordless mowers are designed with mulching blades and efficient airflow that cut clippings finely enough to break down quickly, without clumping.
Disadvantages of Mulching Grass
While mulching has clear benefits, it isn’t always the right choice in every situation. Here are some of the common drawbacks of mulching to be aware of:
- Clumping risk: If you mow when the grass is long or wet, mulched clippings can clump together. These patches block light and air, leaving yellow spots in the lawn.
- Spreading weeds or disease: Mulching recycles everything you mow, which can include weed seeds or diseased material. If your lawn has problems, bagging clippings until it recovers is safer.
- Potential for thatch build-up: Mulching too much at once, especially with longer clippings, can contribute to a spongy thatch layer. This layer blocks water and air if it’s left unmanaged.
- Not ideal for every season: Mulching works best in active growing months. In autumn, heavy leaf fall or damp conditions make it less effective, as clippings take longer to break down.
- Extra mowing needed: To mulch successfully, you need to mow more often and take off smaller amounts each time. For some, that’s a bigger time commitment than bagging clippings.
Most of these issues are easy to avoid with good mowing habits: keep blades sharp, mow little and often, and avoid mulching when grass is wet or diseased. With the right approach, the disadvantages rarely outweigh the benefits.
Read next: Mowing techniques to encourage a healthy lawn
Best Practice for Mulching Lawns
The key to successful mulching is little and often. Short, regular cuts let clippings break down quickly and feed the soil without smothering the grass. Sharp blades are essential. Clean, precise cuts produce finer mulch that disappears into the lawn instead of clumping on the surface.
It’s also best to mulch in dry conditions. Wet clippings tend to clump together, blocking light and air, whereas dry material scatters more evenly and breaks down faster.
Pay attention to the season, too. Mulching works best during periods of active growth in spring and summer. In autumn, when leaves fall heavily and conditions are damp, bagging or composting clippings is usually the better option.
With the right technique, mulching turns mowing into a two-in-one job - trimming the lawn while feeding it at the same time. Modern cordless mulching mowers are designed to make this process simple, efficient, and better for the long-term health of your grass.
Should You Mulch Your Lawn?
Mulching isn’t right in every situation, but when conditions are good it’s one of the simplest ways to keep grass strong. Light, regular cuts return nutrients, save you time, and cut down on waste, all while feeding the soil beneath.
If your lawn is dealing with weeds, disease, or heavy thatch, bagging clippings is the safer short-term choice. But with a healthy lawn, mulching with a cordless mower like the EGO Power+ LM2135E-SP or even an EGO robot mower turns every mow into a quiet boost for your grass.
Get it right, and those fine clippings settle back almost invisibly, rewarding you with a lawn that’s greener, thicker, and easier to care for all season long.