Are Mulching Kits Worth It?

February 16, 2023

For some people, keeping their front yard clean is more than just a preference. It encapsulates much of their perception and class.

There are several ways to keep your yard up and clean. Mulching is one of them.

The topic in question, now, is whether mulching kits are worth it or whether are they a fad.

Table of Contents

What Is Mulch?

Mulch is a layer of organic covering on the soil’s surface in a garden or landscape. It has various applications, such as suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture.

It also improves the fertility of the soil, while most landowners do it to enhance the aesthetics of the landscape.

Mulch is usually made from several materials such as leaves, grass clippings, bark, and compost. Overall, mulch improves the health of the soil and the appearance of the landscape.

What Is Grass Mulching?

When one mows a lawn, he shreds the grass into pieces.

Grass mulching is the process of spreading the same grass over the lawn or the soil after mowing the lawn. In gardening, mulching is a practice of spreading organic material over the soil to improve its fertility and aesthetics.

Each type of mulch has its specific characteristics that impact the health of the soil. Through mulching, one can maintain the health of plants and conserve water.

Correct application of mulch can help gardeners take care of their plants efficiently.

As mulch disintegrates into the soil, it regulates the temperature of the soil and even improves the soil structure. Gardeners may also use mulch around trees and shrubs apart from landscapes.

Regular mowers have a mulching deck, and they do not have a discharging chute. Instead, they chop the grass cuttings finer before pushing them right back into the soil.

Now, the question is how can you mulch with a regular mower?

Read on!

How Do Mulching Kits Work On A Regular Lawn Mower?

Nowadays, you get external or portable attachments like mulching kits.

With these, you can convert your regular mower into a mulching mower.

A standard mulching kit includes deck blades, and a moulded plug to stop the grass cuttings from discharging from the back of the regular mower.

The purpose of the deck blade is to cut the grass pieces so fine that they are not visible once spread over the soil.

The purpose of the plug is to stop the grass pieces from exiting from the chute or rear discharge. Thus, they remain suspended on the cutting deck so that the mulching blades can cut them into finer particles before you deposit them in the lawn.

Mulching plugs are essential components for a normal mulching operation. Mulching kits are portable and one can attach them to a regular mower without any issues.

Is My Mower A Mulching Mower?

You can check the blades of your mower to check whether it is a mulching mower.

Mulching blades have extra edges for cutting. They are also different from standard blades due to their subtle curvature.

So check for curves and extra edges in your blade to determine if it is a mulching mower or a regular one.

Are Mulching Kits Worth It?

If you want to increase the functions of your regular mower, then the mulching kit is for you.

A simple attachment, i.e., the mulching blade and mulching plug, will make your regular mower multifunctional. It will help you do more activities with a single machine without the need for a dedicated mulching mower.

So a mulching kit is economical as compared to buying a new mulching mower.

Mulching increases the aesthetic look of one’s lawn, garden, or landscape. It helps you to maintain the beautiful appearance of your lawn.

As the blades cut the grass into finer particles, you will not experience the clumps as in regular mowers. These finer particles will add much-needed nutrients to your soil so that it can grow thicker and greener grass.

Mulching does not spread weeds or other types of diseases.

One of the biggest advantages of buying a mulching kit is that it saves the planet. Yes, the University of California recommends mulching your landscape to prevent fires.

You will be providing the soil with some extra nourishment by spreading mulch all over it.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Mulching Kits?

While mulching your lawn sounds great, there are some disadvantages to it as well.

You will have to pay the extra dime to buy a mulching kit if you already have a regular mower. So, if you’re on a budget, it will be a trade-off between the price of the mulching kit and the benefits it offers.

Mulching kits do not work that great on long grass. They also do not work desirably if you use them on a wet lawn, especially if it has just rained.

They only work perfectly with short grass.

Mulching kits need maintenance like any other equipment. Therefore, to get the best out of it, you will have to clean and maintain the mulching kit regularly.

So, if you will not spend much time mowing their lawn, the mulching kit is not for you as it will take much of your time.

One must evaluate and compare all the advantages and disadvantages before purchasing a mulching kit. Primarily, one must check if it is appropriate for them to buy a mulching kit, in the first place.

Conclusion

This article has answered all concerns related to owning a mulching kit. If you already have a regular mower, then buying a mulching kit would be cheaper than buying a mulching mower.

However, if you are not a person who likes to spend considerable time maintaining their lawn, then the mulching kit is not for you.

It is great to maintain your lawn, but it adds to the overall time due to its maintenance and slow operation.

If you have a big lawn, then the mulching kit is not for you.

However, mulching offers great advantages to the health of your soil and the aesthetic look of your landscape.

So they are worth it and you won’t regret buying them.