Having neighbours nearby fosters a sense of community, but it can also cause of problems, particularly in lawn care and maintenance. Mowing your lawn, for instance, can be loud; your lawnmower can trigger arguments between you and your neighbour. One way you can avoid this scenario while keeping your front and back yards well-trimmed is to practise lawn mowing etiquette.
How Noisy is Your Lawnmower?
The noise level of a lawnmower depends on its make and model. But research shows that a typical mower can emit sounds as loud as 80 to 89 decibels (dB). These numbers bring you closer to the danger zone, with prolonged exposure increasing the risk for hearing damage. Although the distance between your lawnmower and your neighbour is enough to protect the latter from hearing loss, the noise can be irritating and cause them to file complaints against you.
When Should You Mow Your Lawn?
Residential areas in Australia have noise restriction rules that dictate when you can mow your lawn. Learning the designated time in your state will help you schedule your lawn mowing services appropriately, whether it’s on a business day or on the weekend. Here are the best times to mow your lawn in every state.
Queensland
- Mondays to Saturdays – 7 am to 7 pm
- Sundays and Public Holidays – 8 am to 7 pm
New South Wales
- Mondays to Saturdays – 7 am to 8 pm
- Sundays and Public Holidays – 8 am to 8 pm
Victoria
- Mondays to Fridays – 7 am to 8 pm
- Saturdays to Sundays – 9 am to 8 pm
South Australia
- Mondays to Saturdays – 8 am to 8 pm
- Sundays – 9 am to 8 pm
Tasmania
- Mondays to Fridays – 7 am to 7 pm
- Saturdays – 9 am to 6 pm
- Sundays – 10 am to 6 pm
Western Australia
- Mondays to Saturdays – 7 am to 7 pm
- Sundays and Public Holidays – 9 am to 7 pm
Australian Capital Territory
- Mondays to Fridays – 7 am to 8 pm
- Sundays and Public Holidays – 8 am to 8 pm
Northern Territory
- Mondays to Saturdays – 7 am to 7 pm
- Sundays and Public Holidays – 9 am to 6 pm
If you choose to ignore these rules, your neighbour can file a noise complaint with your local council. It can result in a hefty fine or, at worst, prosecution. Although the amount of fine varies by state, most are set at $200. Some can charge up to $1000.
Benefits of Mowing Your Lawn
Your Grass Gets Stronger
Perhaps one of the best lawn mowing tips you would get is to mow often. Grass clippings when done right and when you cut the grass at the perfect height will encourage the healthy grass shoots to thrive and the weak ones to wither. So, the more regular you start mowing, the healthier the roots will become. Over time, this will produce a lush and resilient lawn for you and your family to enjoy.
You Encourage More Growth
You can prevent uneven growth by regularly mowing your lawn. Some people cut their lawn too short thinking they’ll have more time in between mowing, but that actually hurts more than it helps. You should always strive to cut the grass blade at a perfect height, to make sure you aren’t inflicting damage to the grass. Over time, you should be able to observe that your uniformly cut grass is flourishing during the growing season because they all get the same amount of water, sun, and nutrients. Never forget that the key to a jaw dropping lawn is consistency.
Your Mulch Becomes Nutrient-Rich
Consistent mowing using high-grade petrol mowers will result in a nutrient mulch that will provide your lawn with the nutrition they require. Consider mowing regularly so you can have a steady supply of mulch consisting of shorter grass blades instead of long grass, which is weaker and known to have fewer nutrients.
The Lawn Can Recover Faster
No lawn is ever a hundred percent safe from changing weather, disease, pests, or weeds. But if you regularly mow it, you increase the chances of spotting these issues before they get out of hand. That’s why in general it’s ideal to mow mid-morning, so you can easily see any current or starting problems. Inspecting the lawn clippings should also give you a better idea on the state of health of your lawn.
You Get Rid of Pests
Every time you mow, you should remember to be extra observant for things that don’t belong like pests. If you haven’t mowed in a while there’s a chance that the tall grass and weeds are now home to various bugs or rodents that cause damage and disease which can spread to both plants and humans. If you regularly have your blades sharpened, then your mowing will not just act as a deterrent for pests, it could also be a way to control them. Just remember to always protect your eyes so nothing unwanted can get into it as you mow your lawn. Mowing in a straight line will also allow you to kill pests using your lawn mower more systematically.
Perhaps one of the downsides of regular mowing is the noise. Especially if you have family members or neighbors who are sensitive to loud noises. In these cases, you need to be strategic so as not to become a bother to anyone while you’re trying to keep your lawn beautiful. Here are some tips you can use to keep the noise down while you’re working on your lawn.
Tips for Reducing Lawnmower Noise
Regular maintenance is essential to your lawn’s health and growth. Rather than put off mowing your yard, consider reducing the noise of your mower.
Maintain the Machine
Lawnmowers need regular upkeep to operate properly. A regular maintenance schedule allows you to identify any problems before they become worse. A damaged muffler, for example, will cause the machine to make louder noises than usual.
Replace Your Lawnmower
Petrol-powered lawnmowers are often the loudest types of mowers. Replacing them with an electric or battery-powered lawnmower will lessen the noise as you carry out your chores. Another option would be to replace your current mower with a push-reel version.
Hire a Professional Mowing Service
Working with professionals gives you the benefit of keeping your lawn well-maintained and ensuring compliance with your state’s allotted mowing times. With a professional service doing the job for you, you can do other activities, like relaxing at home or hanging out with friends and family. You also don’t risk starting a conflict with your neighbour.
Learn more about our lawn mowing services and schedule. Get in touch with Green Oasis Lawn and Reticulation.
