It's the age-old lawn care question: should I bag my grass clippings or mulch them?
Here's the truth—there really isn't much debate here. You should always mulch them.
Grass clippings are nutrient-rich. They're literally fertilizer for your lawn. When you let those clippings fall back onto the turf, your lawn will be greener and healthier as a result. It's free nutrition that you're otherwise throwing away.
The Thatch Myth
So why do people even question this? Many homeowners associate mulching with thatch buildup, which can essentially suffocate your lawn over time. The concern makes sense on the surface—if you're leaving organic matter on your lawn, won't it pile up?
But grass clippings aren't actually what cause thatch buildup. Thatch issues occur when your soil lacks the microbes essential for breaking down organic material. Healthy soil with active microbial life will process those clippings without any problem. For most lawns in Midlothian, Prosper, and the DFW area, mulching clippings is completely safe and beneficial.
When Bagging Makes Sense
There are really only two situations where bagging is the better choice:
Overgrown grass. If you've let your lawn get too tall between mowings, your mower will struggle to mulch effectively. You'll see clumping and shredding instead of a clean cut. When that happens, put the bag on your mower or use a rake to remove the clumps. And while we're on the subject—mow your lawn every week! Consistent mowing prevents this problem entirely.
Fungal disease. St. Augustine and other turf types common in North Texas can be susceptible to various lawn diseases. If your lawn has an active fungus, bagging your clippings helps slow the spread. Keep the bag on your mower until the disease is under control. For homeowners in Prosper, Waxahachie, and throughout North Texas dealing with lawn disease, this is an important step in the treatment process.
The Bottom Line
Outside of those two scenarios, let the clippings fall. You're feeding your lawn for free every time you mow. There's no need to bag, haul, and dispose of material that your turf can use.
Simple enough—mulch those clippings and let your lawn reap the benefits.
Watch the video below to learn more about why mulching grass clippings is almost always the right choice.
For professional lawn care and disease treatment in Midlothian and Prosper, contact Vista Lawn and Pest.
