Should I remove the grass clippings when mowing the lawn?

Question:

Should I remove the grass clippings when mowing the lawn?

Answer:

When the lawn is mowed properly, grass clippings do not need to be removed or bagged.  Small clippings filter down into the turf and quickly decompose, returning essential plant nutrients to the soil.  Lawn clippings do not significantly contribute to thatch development. 

Grass clippings may need to be bagged or raked and removed when mowing extremely tall grass.  You may also want to bag the grass clippings and use them as a mulch in vegetable and flower gardens.