Does lawn mower pick up grass ? (Or Should It?) – Lawn Mower vs. Grass Cutter

Have you ever watched the grass flying out of your mower and wondered where it all ends up? You might be surprised to learn that the answer isn't always a simple "in the bag." Different types of lawn mowers handle grass clippings in various ways, and there are even times when it's better to leave them on your lawn. Let's dive into the details, and clear up the confusion between lawn mowers and grass cutters!

Types of Lawn Mowers and Grass Collection

Standard Push Mowers (Rotary)

These common mowers often come with a grass catcher bag, but it's usually optional. Attaching the bag gives you a neat, manicured look, but you'll have to empty it regularly.

Riding Mowers (Rotary):

Similar to push mowers, riding mowers typically have larger grass catcher bags, ideal for larger lawns. Some models also have a mulching function, which we'll discuss next.

Image of riding mower with full grass catcher bag

Mulching Mowers:

These mowers finely chop grass clippings and disperse them back onto the lawn. The tiny clippings act as a natural fertilizer, returning valuable nutrients to the soil. Mulching also eliminates the need to bag and dispose of clippings.

Image of closeup of mulching mower blade

Reel Mowers:

These classic mowers cut grass like scissors, leaving the clippings behind. They're perfect for short, well-maintained lawns and offer a clean, precise cut.

close up shot of man using reel mower

When to Bag, When to Mulch, When to Leave Clippings

The best way to handle grass clippings depends on several factors:

Bagging: Best for:
- Overgrown lawns: If your lawn is very long, there may be too many clippings for mulching.
- Manicured look: If you want a perfectly clean lawn, bagging is the way to go.
- Diseased lawns: Bag clippings to prevent the spread of diseases.

Mulching: Best for:
- Regularly mowed lawns: Mulching works best when clippings are short.
- Lawns needing nutrients: The clippings act as natural fertilizer.
- Time-saving: No need to stop and empty bags.

Leaving Clippings: Best for:
- Short clippings: Clippings from reel mowers are often short enough to decompose quickly.
- Healthy lawns: If your lawn is healthy, leaving clippings can help maintain its vigor.
- Natural look: If you prefer a less manicured lawn, leaving clippings is a good option.

Maintenance Tips (for any mower):

Sharp blades: Keep your mower blades sharp for clean cuts and healthy grass.
Clean underside: Regularly clean the underside of your mower to prevent buildup and ensure optimal performance.
Empty bags often: If you bag, don't let the bag get too full, as it can strain the mower and leave clumps of grass.
Consider a grass collection system for reel mowers: If you have a reel mower but prefer to collect clippings, you can often find add-on collection systems.

Do you have a preference for how you handle grass clippings? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

What is the difference between a lawn mower and a grass cutter?

While the terms "lawn mower" and "grass cutter" are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences. This table breaks it down:

Feature	Lawn Mower	Grass Cutter (Trimmer)
Main Purpose	Cutting larger areas of grass to a uniform height	Trimming edges, around obstacles, and small areas
Cutting Mechanism	Rotating blades or a reel	Spinning nylon line
Power Source	Gas, electric, or manual (push)	Electric or battery
Mobility	Wheeled (push or riding)	Handheld
Ideal Use	Regular lawn maintenance	Detail work, hard-to-reach areas

In Conclusion:

Whether your lawn mower picks up grass or not depends entirely on the type of mower you have and your personal preference for lawn care. Each method of handling grass clippings has its own benefits and drawbacks, so consider your lawn's needs, your desired aesthetic, and the time you want to invest when making your choice.

Ultimately, the goal is to have a healthy, vibrant lawn. Whether you choose to bag, mulch, or leave clippings, proper maintenance of your mower and regular mowing habits will go a long way in achieving that goal.

So, the next time you're mowing your lawn, take a moment to observe where those grass clippings are going. You might just discover a new approach that better suits your needs and helps you achieve the lawn of your dreams!

Remember: There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to lawn care. Experiment with different methods and find what works best for you and your lawn.

I hope this guide has helped you understand the intricacies of lawn mower grass collection and empowered you to make informed decisions for your lawn care routine. If you have any further questions or want to share your own lawn care tips, feel free to leave a comment below!