A response to the grass clipping question
We have written this informative letter to address and answer the question, where does all of the grass go? Your service quote has within it a provision designed into the cost of the program to handle the problem of aesthetically unpleasing grass clippings. We do factor in “incidental” grass collection, handling, transportation and disposal which are four very real and costly procedures.
But first, let’s address the issue of why there is a need in the first place to collect grass. The two biggest reasons why people collect grass are: They don’t have access to commercial powered equipment and they wait too long in between cuttings and are forced to do so because of the length of the grass blade. Commercial machines easily have the consumer-grade machines whipped when it comes to horsepower, coupled with signicantly higher blade tip speed literally run circles around your average Bluelight special mower. This power advantage combined with blade speed, blade design, regularity of service and technique in cutting all lend to a very different method of grass clipping management. Because most people are accustomed to mowing with weaker equipment there is a perception that they have to bag the grass or it will look unsightly.
Another reason why people tend to collect grass is that they have an erroneous belief that the clippings will contribute to the thatch level. Shorter grass is largely comprised of protein which aids in it’s own decomposition by being eaten (quickly) by microorganisms and fungi. Also, on average 1000 sqft of sod will produce approximately 2 lbs of nitrogen over the course of the year. Continuous collection of the grass will strip not only nitrogen (free fertilizer) out of the lawn, but will also remove other vital elements and trace nutrients, including moisture that over time will impact the overall health and appearance of the lawn and subsequently necessitate the need for additional fertilizer and water further adding to the cost of maintenance.
So, in conclusion while we do address the issue of the need for occasional grass collection and provide this on an as-needed basis, the continual collection of your lawn is unnecessary and will actively and passively ad to the cost of maintaining your lawn. We also will never leave your lawn looking unsightly. We hope that this has been informative and answered your questions regarding the appearance, health, and functional operation of maintaining your lawn. If you should have any further questions please don’t hesitate to ask us.