What Is a Mulching Lawn Mower?

If you're aiming for a lush, green lawn without the hassle of bagging clippings or frequent fertilizing, a mulching mower might be your new best friend. Unlike traditional push mowers that either bag or discharge clippings, mulching mowers finely chop up grass clippings and return them to your lawn. This process naturally nourishes the soil – and simplifies yard work!

In a world that is increasingly focused on sustainability, using a mulching lawn mower is an effective and environmentally friendly option. Mulching mowers recycle valuable nutrients, cutting the grass into small pieces that quickly decompose and return those nutrients to the soil. For homeowners seeking a sustainable lawn care approach, mulching is an easy way to reduce fertilizer usage and embrace your green thumb.

Did you know that a mulching lawn mower cuts grass clippings multiple times before depositing them back into the lawn? Bagging or side discharge mowers simply collect the clippings or blow them back out onto the yard, but a mulching lawn mower uses specialized mower blades to recut grass clippings multiple times in its closed cutting deck. The blades chop the clippings into a fine mulch, which helps improve soil health – and eliminates the need for extra steps like bagging or raking.

Unlike traditional lawn mowers that either eject or bag grass clippings, mulching mowers continuously cut the clippings into small pieces and redistribute them into the lawn as you mow. This process consists of a few key components:

• Specialized Blades: Mulching blades have a unique design that lifts and recuts grass clippings multiple times.
• Closed Mower Deck Design: The mower's deck keeps the grass clippings circulating until they're finely chopped and ready to be redistributed onto the lawn.
• Mulching Plug: On many lawn mowers, the mulching plug blocks the rear discharge chute to keep grass clippings inside the deck for additional cutting. Some models have a removable plug, allowing you to easily switch between mulching, bagging or side discharge options. On Murray mowers, the mulching feature is integrated into the rear discharge cover; you simply close the cover to mulch and open it to bag the clippings.

Using a mulching lawn mower will give you a clean finish while nourishing your yard at the same time – win-win!

By now, you’re probably realizing that Team Mulching Mower is a great place to be. Mulching lawn mowers offer several advantages thanks to their versatility, including:

• Better Lawn Health: Who doesn’t want a healthy yard? Returning chopped grass clippings to the lawn provides essential nutrients like nitrogen – resulting in greener, thicker grass.
• Time-Saver: Say goodbye to countless stops to empty the bag of clippings or rake up grass clumps all over the yard.
• Environmentally Friendly: Embrace the green thumb life with a mulching mower. Mulching your lawn minimizes yard waste and reduces the need for frequent lawn fertilization.
• Moisture Retention: Keep that yard lush and healthy! Mulched clippings help retain soil moisture, reducing the need for watering during dry weather periods. Cost-Effective: It’s true – mulching mowers help lower your overall lawn care costs. You’ll spend less on fertilizer, watering, bags and disposal.

Now that we’ve taken a deep dive into mulching lawn mowers, how do you know when it’s time to mulch versus using the side discharge or bagger? Choosing the correct mowing method depends on your lawn's needs:

• Mulching: Ideal for regular maintenance, providing natural fertilization and a tidy appearance.
• Side Discharge: Useful for quickly mowing large areas or when grass is too tall or wet for mulching.
• Bagging: Best when you want a crisp, pristine lawn appearance – or if you're dealing with weed-prone areas to prevent seed spread.

For a quick side-by-side comparison, check out the benefit chart below:

If you're all-in on a mulching mower, follow these best practices and mulching tips:

• Mow Frequently: Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at once.
• Check for a Dry Lawn: To prevent clumping, try to mow when the grass is dry.
• Sharp Blades: Keep your mulching blades sharp for clean, effective cuts.
• Adjust Height: To avoid scalping your lawn, make sure to set your mower to the right height for your grass type.
• Overlap Passes: Slightly overlap your mowing paths to ensure even mulching.

Regular maintenance ensures your mulching mower performs efficiently year after year:

• Clean the Deck: Remove built-up grass clippings under the deck to help things run smoothly.
• Sharpen Blades: Dull blades tear grass rather than cutting, reducing mulching quality.
• Check the Mulching Plug or Rear Discharge Cover: Inspect the rear discharge area to ensure it’s clear and position the cover or plug correctly. On a Murray walk-behind mower, close the rear discharge cover to mulch or open it and attach the bag to collect clippings.
• Inspect Tires and Handles: General upkeep ensures safe and comfortable operation.
• Service the Engine: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for oil, air filters and spark plugs.

Can I Mulch With Any Lawn Mower?

Not all mowers are equipped for mulching. You'll need a mower with mulching blades and a closed deck or a mulching kit.

Does Mulching Cause Thatch Buildup?

No. Proper mulching doesn't cause thatch. The fine clippings decompose quickly and don't accumulate.

When Should I Avoid Mulching?

Avoid mulching when grass is too tall or wet, as it may result in clumping.

Can Mulching Mowers Handle Leaves As Well?

Yes. Many mulching mowers can mulch dry leaves into fine particles that enrich the soil, making it an excellent option for fall cleanup.

Does Mulching Work on Uneven or Bumpy Lawns?

Yes, though uneven terrain may affect mowing quality. Adjust the deck height so as to not scalp your lawn.

Ready to mulch your lawn? We thought so! Mulching lawn mowers are easy to use, effective at keeping your lawn tidy and sustainable – a home run for lawn care. By turning grass clippings into natural fertilizer and reducing yard waste, mulching lawn mowers help you create a healthier lawn with a more environmentally friendly approach.

If you're looking for affordable and efficient mulching lawn mowers, check out Murray Mowers. Found exclusively at Home Depot and built with powerful Briggs & Stratton engines, the Murray line includes push mowers, self-propelled mowers, riding lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers.