Department of Public Works
LA County Home  >  DPW Home
  www.CleanLA.com Site Index
Smart Gardening Home
Grass Recycling 
Grass Recycling

Grass recycling (or grasscycling) is a simple and natural approach to lawn care. Grass clippings are 75% to 85% water. When you mow the lawn and grasscycle, grass clippings quickly decompose and release nutrients to fertilize the lawn.

Proper mowing, watering and fertilizing of a lawn results in moderate turf growth, yet still produces a healthy green lawn. Grass recycling helps reduce fertilizer and water usage, which can protect local streams, rivers and the ocean from pollution, since runoff from yards and gardens can contain fertilizers and pesticides. Also, since you don't have to bag your clippings, mowing time is reduced.

California lawns can generate 300 to 400 lbs of grass clippings per 1000 square feet annually, depending on the turf variety, ambient conditions, and turf management practices. This can amount to over eight tons per acre per year!

Grass recycling reduces the amount of clippings going into landfills by recycling this valuable, nutrient rich material right in your own backyard!


Helpful links:

  • Fact Sheet (PDF, 3.1MB)
  • Cornell University

  • suggested mowing heights


      Sponsored by the County of Los Angeles
    Department of Public Works
    Environmental Programs Division
    900 S. Fremont Ave, 3rd Floor Annex
    Alhambra, CA 91803-1331
    Call toll free at 1(888)CLEAN LA

    DPW Logo  
     
    DPW Home | lacounty.gov | Site FAQ | Privacy & Security Policy | Accessibility | Terms of Use | Feedback | Contact Us