The aerodynamically designed deck, baffles and blades create airflow patterns that circulate leaves and grass for repeated cuttings and dispersal deep into the turf. The bolt-in mulching baffles in addition to the mulch plug, redirect the clippings within the cutting chambers so that it results in improved mulching efficiency and much more even distribution of mulched clippings or leaves across the width of cut. The mulch kit can be used with the bagger and results in a portion of the clippings being mulched and a portion being bagged resulting in a significant reduction in the amount of bagged clippings (fill reduction).