Should You Bag or Mulch Your Grass Clippings?
You’ve just finished mowing the lawn, and now you’re left staring at a yard full of fresh clippings. The big question hits: Should I bag this stuff or just leave it?
At Kiss My Grass Property Maintenance LLC, we get this question all the time—and for good reason. What you do with your grass clippings can actually impact the health of your lawn, how much maintenance you need to do, and how your yard looks week to week.
Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand and even easier to decide what’s best for your yard.
What’s the Difference Between Bagging and Mulching?
Bagging: The mower collects the clippings in a bag, which you then dispose of—either in yard waste bins or compost piles.
Mulching: The mower chops the clippings into fine bits and redistributes them back onto the lawn as you mow.
Both have their place, but they serve very different purposes.
When You Should Mulch Your Grass Clippings
Most of the time, mulching is the way to go. It’s easier, quicker, and believe it or not, it’s actually good for your lawn.
Here’s why mulching makes sense:
It returns nutrients (especially nitrogen) back into the soil
It helps retain moisture during hot weather
It cuts down on waste (and saves you from hauling bags to the curb)
It doesn’t cost anything extra
The key to successful mulching is mowing often enough. If your grass gets too long or is soaking wet, the clippings will clump up and sit on top instead of breaking down—leading to thatch and possibly suffocating your lawn.
So, if your lawn is dry, your mower blades are sharp, and you’re cutting no more than ⅓ of the grass height? Mulch away.
When You Should Bag Your Grass Clippings
There are definitely times when bagging is the better choice.
Bag your clippings if:
Your grass is way too long and you’re cutting off more than a third
The clippings are clumping up and covering the grass
Your lawn is full of weeds, and you don’t want to spread seeds
You’re going for a super clean, polished look (like before a backyard event or photo shoot)
In those cases, bagging can help prevent further problems and keep things neat until your lawn is back on a healthy, consistent schedule.
So… What’s the Verdict?
If your lawn is regularly mowed and not overrun with weeds, mulching is the smarter, healthier, and easier option. It feeds your grass naturally and helps your lawn hold moisture in the summer.
But if your grass is overgrown, patchy, or just needs a hard reset, bag it for now—and consider switching back to mulching once things are under control.
At Kiss My Grass Property Maintenance LLC, we help homeowners across Connecticut find the right lawn care routine—whether that means mulching clippings or bagging them for a fresh start.
Want to take your lawn to the next level? Check out our professional lawn care services in Bristol, CT and let us handle the details, so you can enjoy a healthy, vibrant lawn all season long.
