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Do I have to rake up grass clippings, or can I leave them on the lawn?

By David Beaulieu, About.com

Question: Do I have to rake up grass clippings, or can I leave them on the lawn?
Answer:

Leaving grass clippings on the lawn becomes a problem only if they are too thick. If you mow the lawn before it gets overly tall, the mass of the grass clippings will not be sufficient to warrant raking. A good way to obviate having to rake grass clippings is to mow with mulching lawn mowers.

But making the case for using a mulching mower and leaving grass clippings on lawns goes beyond stating that no harm will be done. Leaving the grass clippings where they fall can actually be good for your lawn, your health and your pocketbook! The nutrients provided by the grass clippings allow you to lower your dependence on chemical lawn fertilizers.

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