When it comes to lawn care, there's a lot of debate around what to do with the layer of clippings. Some people swear by mulching this organic matter, while others prefer bagging. So, should you bag your fresh grass clippings?

The short answer: it depends.

Bagging your clippings isn't always necessary, but it has some clear benefits depending on the condition of your lawn, the weather, what type of grass you’re growing, and even how you use your yard.

Why You Might Choose to Bag Your Clippings

Mulching seems like an obvious solution, but it's not always the case. “While mulching is typically recommended for its ability to return nutrients to the soil, there are several situations where bagging your yard clippings offers distinct advantages,” explained Wes Bollingmo, channel and product support manager at Toro. “For instance, if your lawn shows signs of lawn disease or has significant weed growth, bagging can help prevent the spread of pathogens and weed seeds to other areas."

Bagging the layer of grass clippings is also a smart option when the grass has gotten too long or if you’re mowing after rain. Clippings in these conditions are more likely to clump, and wet grass clippings can block sunlight or cause lawn damage. “When mowing wet or overgrown grass, bagging prevents clippings from clumping and smothering the healthy lawn underneath,” he explains.

And finally, there’s the popular belief that it adds visual appeal. If your lawn is a place where kids play or you host outdoor gatherings, bagging gives your green lawn a clean, polished look. “If your lawn is used primarily for entertaining, bagging ensures a cleaner appearance and prevents larger clippings from interfering with activities,” notes Bollingmo.

What to Do With Lawn Clippings If You Bag Them

So, you’ve bagged your clippings—now what? Tossing them in the trash isn’t always the best (or allowed) option. Many cities have yard waste pickup programs, so check your local rules. Some areas may let you leave bags at the curb; others may require drop-off at a composting facility.

If you’re unsure what to do with grass clippings, here are a few options that work well:

• Toss them in the compost pile: Grass clippings are rich in nitrogen content and make excellent compost material, especially when mixed with dry leaves or other yard debris.
• Use as mulch: Once dried, clippings can work around flower beds to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. As the natural fertilizer continues to break down, it adds valuable nutrients to the soil.
• Share with neighbors: Community gardens or local farms may take extra clippings for composting or mulching. Go ahead, share those essential nutrients!

It’s worth noting that fresh clippings can smell if piled too thick, so give them time to dry or mix with other materials before storing.

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When Using the Bagging Attachment Might Not Be Worth It

Bagging takes more work. You have to stop and empty the bag, haul it away, and figure out where it’s going. “Keep in mind that bagging takes more effort than mulching and may require special disposal arrangements, depending on where you live,” reminds Bollingmo.

For most lawns, especially when mowing at the proper height, mulching is still the easier, smarter everyday option. Especially if you mow regularly, a mulching mower can return cut grass to the soil surface without leaving behind piles of grass clippings. “Many mowers, like Toro’s Recycler series, are designed to mulch effectively and return nutrients to your lawn—making mulching the preferred option in most situations,” highlights Bollingmo.

So if your lawn is healthy, dry, and not too long, you’re better off skipping the bag. The clippings break down quickly and feed the grass like any good lawn food.

TL;DR

• Bag it if: your lawn has disease, lots of broadleaf weeds, or is overgrown. Don't distribute infected clippings.
• Leave it if: your lawn has healthy growth, is dry, and if you mow often
• Use a bagging mower after rain to avoid wet grass clippings from clumping
• Leave it if your push mower has a mulching blade and you follow a regular mowing routine
• Bag it for a cleaner look before outdoor events

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FAQ

Will bagging my grass clippings prevent thatch buildup?

Not exactly. The thatch layer comes from roots and stems of dead grass, not from regular mowing clippings. If you mow often and don’t cut more than one-third of the grass height, mulching won’t cause a thatch build-up problem. But if your grass is long and clippings are thick, bagging can help eliminate the tons of grass clippings that affect your entire lawn.

Can I use bagged clippings in my vegetable garden?

You can, but question the condition of your grass first. If you haven’t used weed killers or other herbicides on your lawn, dry clippings can be used as natural mulch or added to your backyard compost pile. Don’t use wet, clumpy grass directly as garden mulch; it can attract pests or cause bad odor.