Environmental Resources

What do I do with my grass clippings?

Let grass clippings fall back to the lawn by mulch mowing.  Mulch mowing is a quick and easy way to mow.  Why stop to empty the lawnmower bag?  Why drag those heavy bags of clippings to the curb?  Mulch mowing does not cause thatch.  In fact, small amounts of nutrients are returned to the soil as the grass clippings decompose.  If you prefer the look of a mowed lawn free of grass clippings, continue to catch your clippings and add them to a compost pile.

What do I do with the leaves I gather?

Experts at Kansas State Research and Extension report that up to three inches of leaves can be mulch mowed back into the lawn without affecting the quality of the turf.  Yards that feature mature trees may generate more than three inches of leaves each season.  These leaves can be picked up using a lawn mower with the bag attached.  Lawn mowers will break the leaves into tiny particles that can be spread around trees and shrubs or added to a compost pile.

What do I do with tree and shrub branches?

Cut these branches into three to four foot lengths, bundle them with a heavy string or twine.  Place these bundles at curbside.  Your trash hauler will pick them up.