Ruohosilpun

Ruohosilpun is a Finnish term that literally translates to "grass clipping." It generally refers to the small pieces of grass left behind after mowing a lawn. In landscaping and lawn care contexts, the term can refer to both the act of mowing in a way that produces fine clippings and the resulting material itself.

When grass is mowed with a mulching mower, the blades are designed to cut the grass blades multiple times, producing very fine clippings. These fine clippings are then dispersed back onto the lawn, where they decompose relatively quickly and return nutrients to the soil. This process is often referred to as grasscycling. The nutrient return can help fertilize the lawn, reducing the need for artificial fertilizers.

However, if the grass is allowed to grow too long before mowing, or if a mulching mower is not used, the clippings can be larger and may form thick clumps on the lawn surface. These clumps can smother the grass underneath, preventing sunlight and air from reaching it, and can also contribute to thatch buildup. In such cases, the clippings might be raked up and removed, or they might be collected by a mower with a bag. The collected ruohosilpun can then be composted or disposed of. The term emphasizes the physical state of the grass after cutting.