Mowing frequently to keep clippings short is a method of enhancing the appearance of the turf because it encourages rapid clipping degradation on the playing surface. The dropping of leaves in the fall presents challenging management options for their removal. One option is to mulch the leaves with mowers directly on the turf. Similar to grass clippings, leaves provide nutrients and organic matter for the soil. Also similar to clipping return, mulching leaves is limited to fairways and roughs because of playability constraints.
Many superintendents blow leaves off fine turf areas into roughs and then proceed with mulching.
Mulching mowers can expedite the exercise of grinding the leaves into fine particles. Brush can be shredded for use as landscape mulch. When processed through grinding and shredding equipment, woody brush and trimmings make an excellent landscape mulch for use around plantings and walkways. Mulch conserves soil moisture, prevents weeds and adds valuable organic matter to the soil. Green wastes can be composted on the golf course.