If not using a lawn mower with a catcher attached or if you don’t empty the catcher frequently enough you may end up with clumping. If you mow when your grass is wet or very long you may end up with clumping.
What is clumping and why is it a problem?
Clumping is basically when the grass clippings clump and are left behind on the lawn after mowing. If grass clippings are left on the lawn for too long it can suffocate the grass underneath, turning it yellow.
To avoid clumping:
- Don’t mow the lawn when it is wet
- Never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade
- Move in the afternoon when possible
- Don’t let the lawn get too long in between mowing
- Raise the height at which you cut your lawn
- Use mulching blades
- Clean under the lawn mower regularly to clear blockages
- Don’t over-fertilise your lawn
Should clumping occur, it should not be left on top of the lawn. Disperse the grass clippings with a fan rake or leaf blower. If the clumping is excessive then it will need to be raked up and removed from the lawn.
Thanks for the informative post re: turf. Particularly interested in the Brisbane area, as local knowledge always helps.