To Bag Or Not To Bag Your South Dakota Lawn Clippings?

When it comes to mowing in South Dakota, should I side discharge or bag my lawn clippings...that is the question. 

According to Lawn Love, both approaches have merit depending on your specific situation.

Side discharging returns valuable nutrients to your lawn through a natural recycling process.

As clippings break down, they release nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, essentially providing a free fertilizer application.

This approach works exceptionally well during South Dakota's spring and early summer when growth is moderate and clippings decompose quickly.

However, bagging offers distinct advantages during certain periods.

In late spring, when growth surges, thick clippings can smother grass and create thatch buildup.

Bagging also helps prevent weed seed dispersal and reduces disease spread, particularly during humid periods.

For those seeking a manicured appearance, bagging delivers that pristine look many homeowners desire.

Your lawn's specific needs should guide your decision.

If you have a newer lawn establishment, side discharging helps build soil quality.

For mature lawns with existing thatch issues, bagging may be preferable until the problem improves.

A hybrid approach often works best for the South Dakota climate.

Side discharge during normal growth periods, but switch to bagging during peak growth seasons or when dealing with weed problems.

This balanced strategy provides nutritional benefits while avoiding potential issues from excessive grass clippings.

Remember that proper mowing height...(typically 3 inches or higher for South Dakota lawns)...and frequency are equally important regardless of which method you choose.