Question
I mow areas of grass/lawn totalling around 3 acres. The problem is what to do with the cuttings. I used as much as I can to mulch new hedgerows etc. but there are trailer-loads left over. Fortunately I have plenty of space to dump the cuttings, which turn into a slimy no-go area. Any ideas how I can use this resource effectively?

Answer
Good Morning Dennis:
For many years people were told that to have a healthy, lush green lawn it was necessary to catch grass clippings. This belief often was promoted by lawn mower manufacturers who had urged consumers to purchase bagger attachments for their lawn mowers.
Lawn mower manufacturers are now changing with the times and promoting the recycling of grass clippings and other yard waste. Although they are not a necessity, mulching or recycling lawn mowers now are available that work very well in chopping up grass clippings. Conversion kits for older lawn mowers also are available.
Regardless of the mower type you have, avoid removing more than 1/3 of the leaf surface at one mowing. Proper mowing helps to maintain the overall health of the lawn, eliminates the need to remove grass clippings, and reduces the probability of developing a thatch problem.
As long as the lawn is mowed on a regular basis and the clippings readily filter back down into the lawn, clippings do not need to be collected. Clippings readily decompose (contain 75 - 80 percent water) and do not cause thatch. Clippings also recycle nutrients, in particular nitrogen, so less fertilizer is needed. Home lawns typically are fertilized with 2 to 4 lbs. of nitrogen per 1000 square feet per year. If grass clippings are recycled on the lawn, you should never have to apply more than 2 lbs. of nitrogen per 1000 square feet per year to maintain a healthy and vigorous lawn. The grass clippings actually act like a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer, providing a constant supply of nitrogen and other nutrients.
Only remove grass clippings if the grass is tall and the clippings form such a thick layer on the turf that light will not be able to penetrate to the growing grass plants.
Increasing the mowing height during the summer will also improve the health of the lawn. A lawn cut higher is healthier because it can produce food at a greater rate, it is better able to compete with weeds, it shades the ground, and it uses less water.
I still bag most of my grass clippings because I use them in my composter. I use the compost on my vegetable and flower gardens that will deter weed seed germination, conserve moisture, keep fruit clean, regulate soil temperature, and add organic matter and nutrients to the soil. I also use the clippings directly on the vegetable garden in a very thin layer (less than an inch) so that the clippings can dry easily. Too thick a mulch of grass clippings could result in increased problems with slugs, flies, and other pests. I work the dried excess clippings into garden soil.
Local nurseries also may accept grass clippings, while some larger cities may have municipal composting sites that will accept bagged or bulk grass clippings.
Do not use grass clippings for mulch, or add them to a compost pile if the lawn recently has had herbicides applied to it. Some broadleaf herbicides can leave residues in grass plants that may damage sensitive plants if the clippings are used as mulch or in compost. Always try to recycle these clippings directly on the lawn where other plants will not be damaged.
I hope I have given you some ideas. Please let me know if you need additional help in the future.
Have a good lawn:
Floyd McMahon