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By leaving clippings on the lawn after mowing, you're adding nutrients (especially nitrogen) to the soil and stimulating biological activity. Research has shown that leaving short clippings (one-half inch or less) can supply up to 40 percent of a lawn's annual fertilizer needs. If you find that your clippings are thick, wet and smothering the lawn, it's best to rake them up and compost them. But, if you use a lawn mower that turns the clippings into fine bits, much of your fertilization is done when you mow. Just be sure to mow regularly (so you only remove one-third of the blade's length) and keep your mower blades sharp.
Supplement the clippings with a slow-release, granular fertilizer slow-release, granular fertilizer. When to apply? It depends upon the type of grass you have: cool-climate or hot-climate.
Last updated: 2/4/19
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