It happens to the best of us; the lawn desperately needs to be mowed. As you pull out the lawnmower, you wonder if it’s too early (or too late) to make this much noise.
WATCH: Charlie Albone shows you how to mow your lawn like an expert
But is there an unspoken rule or etiquette surrounding when you can and can’t mow your lawn for the sake of your neighbour’s sanity?
What time can I mow my lawn?
This was the case for one Reddit user who took to the social media platform to ask if he was being rude.
“Is it rude to mow my grass at 7:00 or 8:00 on a Friday?” he says.
He explains he works long hours, “so my opportunities to cut grass are limited.”
“It’s at the point where I’m genuinely embarrassed about it, and my neighbours to one side keep their yard perfect, and to the other, not as much landscaping, but they cut their grass like every other day, it seems. So that makes my yard look even more absurd.
“Tomorrow morning, before I leave for work, looks to be a clear morning sky (at least by forecast)… so my question is, do you think they’d be more annoyed that I cut the grass early in the morning or that I waited a further few days in the hope that I get a rainless day on my day off?”
How early can I mow my lawn?
The people of Reddit were quick to offer this man some advice.
“I think 7am is too early, but 8am is when it is usually acceptable to start loud projects like construction or mowing,” wrote one commenter.
Another added: “Weekdays are fine, IMO. It’s the weekend lawn warriors at 7am that get me.”
“8am on a weekday is fine,” another chimed in. “Also – I like it when my neighbour lets their yard go. It makes me feel less self-conscious. And the new electric battery mowers are great and super quiet.
What time can you mow the lawn in NSW?
John Atkins is the manager at Amaroo Landscapes in Sydney and has mown his fair share of lawns. He says he’s never had a problem with noise complaints when mowing a lawn.
But if he had to put a time on it, he says, “7am until sunset is reasonable on weekdays and 8am until sunset on weekends.”
John’s thoughts align with what the NSW government recommends.
According to Law Access, power tools and garden equipment such as lawnmowers and pool pumps can’t be used between:
- 8pm and 8am (Sundays and public holidays).
- 8pm and 7am every other day.
What time can you mow the lawn in Victoria?
Ad for Victorians, The Environmental Protection Authority of Victoria says the following hours are acceptable for mowing the lawn.
- 7am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.
- 9am to 8pm Weekends and public holidays.
What time can I mow my lawn in Queensland?
The Queensland Government follows the Environmental Protection Act 1994, which says you can use your lawnmower from:
- 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday.
- 8am to 7pm Sundays and public holidays.
What time can I mow my lawn in South Australia?
The Environmental Protection Authority, South Australia, says you can mow your lawn during the following times.
- 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday.
- 9am to 7pm Sundays and public holidays.
What time can I mow my lawn in Western Australia?
Generally, in Western Australia gardening equipment can be used for up to two hours per day between the hours of:
- 7am and 7pm Monday to Saturday.
- 9am and 7pm on Sundays and public holidays.
What time can I mow my lawn in Tasmania?
The Environmental Protection Authority of Tasmania says you can mow the lawn between:
- 7am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.
- 9am to 8pm Saturdays.
- 10am to 8pm Sundays and public holidays.
What time can I mow my lawn in the Northern Territory?
The Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority says “noise should not be heard” during the following hours.
- Before 8am and after 8pm on Sundays and public holidays.
- Before 7am and after 8pm on any other day.
What time can I mow my lawn in the Australian Capital Territory?
Access Canberra says you can mow your lawn between the following hours:
- 7am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday.
- 8am to 8pm Sundays and public holidays
What is the best time to mow your lawn?
The best time to mow your lawn is mid-morning because any dew will have dried up, and it’s just before the day’s heat has set in.
Leave your lawn clippings on the grass as a natural fertiliser so the nutrients can be reabsorbed into the remaining blades.
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