The Facts Behind Mulching: Proven Lawn Benefits Backed by Real UK Statistics

Want to give your lawn a natural boost without relying on chemical fertilisers or constant watering? Mulching could be the answer. Whether you use a pedestrian mower, ride-on, or robotic model, mulching your grass clippings instead of collecting them delivers lasting benefits to your lawn and the environment.

Here’s why mulching is one of the smartest moves UK gardeners can make — with the stats to prove it.

Nutrient Recycling: Effortless Lawn Feeding

Mulched grass clippings are full of nitrogen, which is essential for healthy growth. When left on the lawn, these clippings break down quickly and release nutrients back into the soil.

• Mulching can supply 30–50% of your lawn’s annual nitrogen needs, depending on your lawn’s age and condition.
• That’s the equivalent of one full fertiliser application per year — for free.
• Older lawns (25+ years) can receive more than 50% of their nitrogen from clippings alone.

Water Retention: Helping Lawns Through Drier Summers

As UK summers get warmer and rainfall becomes less predictable, keeping moisture in your soil is more important than ever. Mulched clippings create a natural barrier that helps the soil retain water.

• Lawns with mulch can retain 30–50% more moisture than those where clippings are removed.
• Clippings are around 85% water, contributing to natural hydration as they break down.

Healthier Soil, Happier Lawn

Mulching doesn’t just benefit the grass you can see — it improves the ecosystem below the surface too. Healthy soil means a more resilient, vibrant lawn.

• Studies show 2x higher earthworm populations in mulched lawns.
• Microbial enzyme activity is also significantly improved, which helps break down organic matter and release nutrients.

No Thatch, No Worries

There’s a common misconception that leaving clippings behind causes thatch. In reality, regular mowing and proper mulching techniques prevent this.

• Clippings decompose quickly and don’t cause thatch, which usually results from over-fertilising or irregular mowing.

Time-Saving and Waste-Reducing

Mulching saves you the hassle of emptying grass boxes and reduces the volume of green waste leaving your garden.

• Cuts mowing time by up to 30% — no stopping to empty bags.
• Reduces green waste — clippings can make up up to 20% of household garden waste.

Final Thoughts: Mulching Makes Sense

Whether you mow once a week or use a smart robotic system that cuts daily, mulching your grass clippings is a simple switch with long-term rewards. It improves lawn health, conserves water, saves time, and reduces your reliance on fertilisers and waste disposal.

Choose a mower with a mulch function or attach a mulch plug to your existing machine — and start feeding your lawn the natural way.

Ready to get started? Explore our full range of mulching mowers or speak to our expert team for tailored advice on the best fit for your garden.