What Are “Mulch” Mowers? Do They Really Provide Mulch?

If you are new to lawn care, you may have a misconception about what mulching mowers are. You may think they are called that because they provide mulch. Let’s see if that’s true while we also examine three other issues:

• What are the arguments for buying mulching mowers?
• How do they work?
• What types are there to choose from when buying?

Why should you buy a mulching mower?

People sometimes run a mower over fallen leaves on the lawn in the fall. They then pick them up and use them for mulch. While this is a perfectly acceptable alternative to other leaf-removal methods ( raking leaves , using a leaf blower , etc.), it’s not what we mean by using a “mulching mower.”

Mulch mowers are useful machines in lawn care, but their purpose is not to provide “mulch” in the conventional sense. When we hear of “mulching,” we usually think of spreading mulch with a shovel to suppress the growth of weeds in a planting bed. Mulch is a multi-purpose material valued not only for its use in weed control , but also for its ability to retain moisture in the soil. Tree bark is often used for this.

But mulching mowers give the term a new spin. “Mulching” is a bit of a misnomer in this case. These machines don’t make mulch; at least the product they leave behind is more of a compost . This source of organic matter breaks down and provides your grass with nutrients. Using this type of lawnmower is one step you can take to keep your grass nourished and avoid the use of chemical fertilizers.

The alternative to a mulching mower is a lawn mower that comes with a collection bag to collect grass clippings. If you choose the latter, you should put the clippings in a compost heap to get free compost for the garden and avoid the waste of community landfills.

How Mulching Mowers Work

The grass clippings left by a mulching mower essentially functions as lawn fertilizer, as if you were applying compost to the lawn. For this reason, it makes more sense for most urban and suburban homeowners to use a mulching mower, rather than collecting their grass clippings and dumping them in the compost pile. In essence, mulching mowers eliminate the “middleman”, namely the compost pile, instead supplying you with compost directly. This means less work for you.

The blades of mulching mowers are designed to leave finely cut grass clippings. Such clippings can be left where they fall without damaging your grass. They do not contribute to felt formation; in fact, it might be hard to tell they are even there. This can be a smart way to mow the lawn, but if you choose this approach, don’t forget to cut your grass to the correct height.

In contrast, because lawnmowers without mulching capabilities produce clippings that are bulkier and more easily clump together, the clippings must be removed from the lawn so that the grass does not choke under it. 

This is why people who use neither a mulching mower nor a bag-mounted machine (meaning the clippings simply blow out of the hopper and onto the lawn) should rake their grass clippings. While this third alternative is certainly a possibility, it would also be the most labor-intensive approach. Of course, when people mow the lawn with reel mowers, there isn’t much choice.

Types of mulching mowers

As with other types of electrical equipment, you can choose a mulching mower based on its power source:

• Electric (with cord)
• Electric (cordless, with battery)
• Gas

For example, Greenworks has a corded electric model (buy on Amazon), as well as a cordless model (buy on Amazon). If you prefer machines that run on gas, try the Poulan Pro (buy on Amazon).

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between mulching mowers and rotary mowers?

Rotary mowers have blades that revolve around a fixed axis. Mulching mowers have blades that are designed to slice into the grass and shred it. Rotary mowers cut the grass at the soil’s surface, while mulching mowers cut the grass and shred it.

Why does my lawn get muddy in the winter?

Rain and snow turn lawns to mud, and even if you have a mulching mower, it’s a good idea to cut your grass at least once a week. If you’re having problems, contact a landscaping professional.

How can I prevent my lawn from drying out in the summer?

When your lawn is dry, it’s not growing. If you’re having problems, contact a landscaping professional.

What’s the difference between a mulching mower and a rotary mower?

Mulching mowers have blades that revolve around a fixed axis. Rotary mowers have blades that are designed to slice into the grass and shred it. Mulching mowers cut the grass and shred it.