I've got a well established 31 tall fescue lawn growing in Atlanta's hot clay soil (nicest one in the neighborhood, actually). I've always used the grass catcher on my mower but I'm getting tired of emptying the bag all the time.
If I just let the clippings spray out onto the lawn, would I get thatch build-up--- or would the clipping just disintegrate? And how bad is thatch anyhow?
Jos.
Yes. Very much so. The clippings from a standard blade will not chop them fine enough to break down before they build up. If you mow often enough, so that the clippings are small, and keep the grass at the correct height for the species, you *may* not have an issue. But, it would require a rigid schedule to ensure that you don't build up the thatch layer to thick.
No. See above.
A little acts as a light mulch, is necessary, breaks down as a high-nitrogen fertilizer, and acts as a cushion for foot traffic. Too much acts as a barrier, keeping water, fertilizer, and air from penetrating to the roots. It also provides a save haven for insect infestation.
If you choose to allow a thatch buildup, you can help control it several ways. You can top dress your lawn with a light layer of compost, or the introduction of earthworms which will eat the thatch. If the thatch becomes too thick, then a bit more drastic measures need to be taken. You can verti-cut your lawn. It's sometimes called a "power rake". In essence, it's a vertical-cutting lawnmower. It's going to leave your lawn looking a mess, but immediately after you're through, just rake up the lose stolons, and throw them away. After you've cleaned up, then you'll need to aerate (with a core-aeraor, and then top dress with compost.
Maintaining your lawn the way it is, would probably be the least amount of work. From your description, you're doing things right. A nice lawn requires a lot of work. There are no shortcuts.
Clippings aren't thatch. Thatch is part of your growing grass plants, so no, you're not bagging won't really contribute to your thatch layer. Clippings will make a very un-sightly mess behind your mower if they are excessive tho..you can go back over it and chop it again with your tractor and disperse the clippings again..I like to bag during the spring and fall, I use it for weed block along the back forty fence line. Aerate once a year if you can.
Nope. Clippings aren't thatch. Clippings will smother the turf long before they become part of the thatch layer.
I never said they "were" thatch. But, they *can* contribute to it's build-up. It depends on how long they are, which would depend on how often the lawn is mowed, and at what height.
Sorry, but the above statement is only partially correct. While it's true that "clippings aren't thatch", it is untrue that they won't contribute to the thatch layer.
Just curious as to your background in turf grass management, if you don't mind providing that information. Please don't take that as any type of flame. I really am only curious.
Oh, I don't doubt it. I've lurked here a while, just haven't posted. My question as to his background was not meant to be derogatory at all. The OP's question has no cut and dry answer.
There are many more factors involved than just "can I quit bagging". The thickness of the existing thatch layer being one. If the clippings cannot come in contact with the organisms near the soil layer, they can't breakdown, and therefore *will* contribute to the thatch layer, creating more problems than simply removing the clippings.
One has nothing to do with the other. You said 'very much so'.
I take care of my grass.
You're so smart about grass, show me where grass clippings are thatch, and then tell me your qualifications.
Thank's Plug..I am speaking the truth.
plug" wrote:
I feed about 8000 stops a growing season in Ohio, but that doesn't make me an expert in California or anyplace else.
Ahh. That must make you an expert, then.
There you are again, with the "clippings are thatch". Again, that's not what I said. I explained how they can *contribute* to thatch, in my reply to plug, as well as in my reply to the OP. You, as you've done before, conveniently snipped that part of my reply. If you want to play little Usenet games by snipping all but the part of your reply that will fit your argument, I've no time for that.
I'm currently a Horticulturist at a private country club, and working towards a degree in Grounds Management. Doesn't make me an expert, nope. Never claimed that it did. But, I'll stand by my claims as *I've* made them, not as *you've* snipped and altered them.
Thanks for the suggestions-- and the humorous tit for tat...
Jos.
Again I ask who gave you the bum steer? Thatch ain't clippings. Are you a bull head or what?
Clippings do not contribute to thatch any more than snowfall contributes to a pile of dirt.
What he said!
Of course they do.
Thatch is the layer of undecomposed and partially decomposed plant material, tightly interwoven with living tissue between the soil surface and the green vegetation. This is *including*, but not limited to, clippings. If lawns are mowed regularly, so that no more than 1/3 of the leaf height is removed each time, there's no need to bag.
That was my only point. If you feel that's incorrect, that's totally on you, but you would be the one that was wrong. There are more factors to consider than just the desire to bag or not.
Never fear, I'll waste no more of my time trying to convince you what contributes to thatch. You obviously don't understand, or can't comprehend it.
Take about a two-inch deep plug out of your turf and examine the thatch layer. If it's only about 1/2" thick, you'll be fine with regular, proper mowing. My apologies if my choice of wording steered you wrong. There really is no simple, absolute answer. There are a number of variables to be considered.
HTH HAND
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