You just heard a knock on your door, and the letter carrier has delivered a letter to you from the local bylaw officer stating that if you don’t mow your lawn within 24 hours you will be ticketed.
But it’s Sunday morning and you work on Monday.
Is it distasteful to mow your lawn on a Sunday?
It’s not distasteful to mow your lawn on a Sunday but remember mowing your lawn is regular household maintenance that is law in most cities.
It’s a difficult situation because most people have gas lawnmowers or electric lawnmowers that are loud, and pulling out your lawnmower on a Sunday may raise an eyebrow or two from your neighbors.
Why You Shouldn’t Mow Your Lawn on a Sunday
Let’s get this straight; mowing the lawn on a Sunday isn’t rude.
In fact, you’re required to maintain your property by mowing your lawn in most municipalities, and you can even be ticketed for not mowing your lawn!
There are a few reasons to avoid mowing the lawn on a Sunday.
Religious Gatherings
Being that a lot of religious groups operate on Sundays, using a mower anywhere near a house of worship may cause you to come off inconsiderate or disrespectful.
Church usually starts around ten am and ends around noon, so it’s best not to mow during that time if you live close to a church.
Disturb Your Neighbors’ Sleep
Most folks like to use Friday evenings and Saturday evenings for fun that isn’t available during the week, and Sundays are for sleeping in and going to bed early to get the start you need for the week to come.
Mowing your lawn in the morning or late at night may interfere with your neighbors’ sleep if they like to sleep late or go to bed early.
If your neighbors have little kids, starting the lawnmower early in the morning or late at night will guarantee that you are the least-liked neighbor on your block.
Breaking Noise Bylaws
Most towns and cities enforce noise bylaws, so unless it’s an emergency between 11 pm and 7 am. You usually can’t make a certain type of noise.
Using a gas-powered lawnmower would likely violate a noise bylaw, so you could get a ticket.
Family Time
Sunday is often viewed as family day. If you mow your lawn on a Sunday, you’re probably consuming some of the time you would otherwise have spent with family or friends.
You’re Missing Your Weekend
If you spend your entire weekend doing household chores, you’re going to miss out on some awesome opportunities.
Not only will you miss the chance to relax and make fun memories, but you’ll also miss out on quality time with friends and family.
Benefits to Mowing Your Lawn on a Sunday
Absolutely! There are upsides to mowing your lawn on a Sunday.
Sunday is probably the only day of the week where most people have very few scheduled activities. This allows one to have time to mow the lawn without feeling pressured to hurry.
Mowing the lawn on Sunday also gives you the opportunity to start the week fresh.
Even Better: If there is any rain forecasted for the following week, your lawn will have the chance to dry out before it rains. This can prevent diseases and fungus from developing in your lawn.
When Is The Best Time To Mow Your Lawn
There are a few things to think about when determining the best time to mow your lawn.
- Temperature: Temperature is the primary consideration. The best time to mow your lawn is between 8 am – 11 am or 5 pm to 7 pm, as this time of day is usually outside the reduced noise hours that city by-laws put in place. At this time in the morning and evening, the full heat has not come out yet, so it is cooler and more enjoyable for you while still allowing you to be a good neighbor.
- Weather: In general, you should try to avoid mowing the lawn on the days when rain is expected. Wet grass will clog on the blades of your mower and make it difficult to have an even cut. It is also best for the lawn not to mow when it is very dry, as dry grass makes brown patches and adds weed growth to a mower’s dustbin.
- Schedule: Getting your lawn mowed on a weekly basis is the best way to keep it looking healthy and thick. Be sure to change your mowing schedule based on season as well. For example, in the winter you may only need to mow once every two weeks or so.
How To Keep Your Neighbors Happy
Even a cranky neighbor can relate to the noise of a lawnmower outside their window.
They know there isn’t enough time in the week to catch up on chores around the house, and a Sunday morning is probably the only free time they have to mow the lawn.
There are ways you can avoid being “that neighbor” when you mow your lawn on a Sunday morning. Use these pointers to keep your neighbors happy.
Talk to Your Neighbors
The simple act of reaching out can do a lot to maintain good neighborly relations. It signifies to your neighbors that you value them enough to take time from your day to reach out and speak with them.
The conversations with your neighbors can take numerous forms.
- Let them know you are going to be mowing your lawn on Sunday in advance. This works well if the time leading up to the weekend gives you an opportunity to see your neighbors or give them a heads up.
- With younger children, find out when their children take their naps. If your neighbors children wake-up are up by 7 and typically take an hour nap at 11 not mowing the lawn during the hour of their nap seems reasonable. Kids are unpredictable and naps often have no routine, even so your neighbor will appreciate your efforts.
- Ask and see if they have planned anything for Sunday. If they are having some sort of outdoor celebration and you mow the lawn in the middle of it, it may come of as rude.
Use a Push Reel Lawnmower
You can’t beat push reel lawn mowers for smaller lawns.
They’re mostly quiet, don’t use electricity or gas, but they are a bit more effort to push.
That makes them a perfect option for your neighbors, and it’s great for the natural environment too.
Mow Your Lawn at an Appropriate Time
There’s a short window of time on Sundays that can count as an acceptable time to mow your lawn. It is from 11 am to 5 pm.
You can mow before 11 am but that could wake up neighbors who really enjoyed their Saturday night, or are taking the opportunity to sleep-in after a long week.
You can mow after 5 pm but you are getting into the dinner hour when everyone wants to start settle down.
Final Thoughts
Whether or not you decide to be a lawn mowing ninja on a Sunday, it’s important to be empathetic to others around you.
You can figure out some groundrules by either being mindful of the local noise bylaws or chatting with neighbors, to make sure everybody has a great weekend without any drama on account of your lawn mowing.