How to Reduce Yard Waste

Grasscycling (Let grass clippings fall):

• Use a mulching mower or retrofit your current mower with a mulching blade kit and let clips fall back into the lawn. This will add nitrogen to the soil and cut fertilizer use by approximately 30%.
• Cut only 1/3 of grass blade at a time to promote root growth and shade out weeds. Deep roots help grass resist drought and disease.

Home Composting

• Transform your yard waste into humus-rich compost. Use compost in the garden, with potted plants, as a topdressing for lawns, or as mulch around trees and shrubs.
• The benefits of composting include improved soil structure, enhanced root growth and adds nutrients to the soil.

Other Options

• Add low-maintenance plant beds and groundcovers, slow-growth bushes, decks, walkways and borders to your yard to reduce lawn area.
• Use Shredded leaves and grass clippings as mulches to control weeds, conserve moisture and reduce soil erosion.
• Add shredded leaves and grass to your compost pile.
• Shred leaves into lawn with mulching mower; adds nutrients and does not hurt the lawn.