• Applicable Regulations
• Overview of Procedure
• Waste Minimization Procedure
• Known Limitations
• Safety & Health Precautions/Personal Protective Equipment
• Benefits
• Disadvantages
• Project Related Costs

Overview of Procedure
A variety of methods are currently being employed at U-M for using various types of organic debris. Wherever possible, grass clippings are allowed to remain on the turf for natural composting. In the fall, as trees shed their leaves, mulching mowers are used on fairways and rough areas, which grind the leaves into fine particles. Fallen tree branches and brush trimmings are chipped into small pieces by use of a chipper. The chips are composted and used around flowerbeds and walkways on the course.

Waste Minimization Procedure
Grass clippings are not collected, but allowed to fall to the turf to return nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Frequent mowing keeps the clippings short, which encourages rapid degradation and prevents formation of thatch. On fine turf areas, such as greens and tees, the grass clippings are collected and composted.

Mulching mowers grind fallen leaves to fine particles to provide nutrients and organic material to the soil. Leaves that fall on fine turf areas are blown off onto roughs for mulching, or collected and composted. Fallen tree branches and brush trimmings are collected and taken to a chipping machine.

Organic debris is sent to a compost pile that is managed on-site; however, space constraints limit the amount of debris that can be managed at the pile. Any excess amount of organic debris is taken to U-M Matthei Botanical Gardens for composting (see Section 5: Grounds and Waste Management [Yard Waste Composting]).

Known Limitations
The practice of allowing grass clippings to fall back to the soil is limited by area; greens and tees must be kept clear of grass clippings. Also, there is the potential for clippings to encourage the spread of turf diseases at certain times of the season.

Like grass clippings, the mulching of leaves with mowers is limited to rough areas.

Space constraints limit the amount of brush that can be composted and managed on-site.

Safety & Health Precautions/Personal Protective Equipment
Follow all applicable safety and health protocols and regulations as established by your institution.

Benefits
The composting of leaves, grass clippings, and other organic U-M Golf Course debris provides a suitable alternative to landfills and municipal incineration, while producing a usable commodity.

Disadvantages
None known.

Project Related Costs
Information not available.