There’s been a knock on your door, and a bylaw officer has given you a notification that if you don’t mow your lawn within 24 hours, you’ll be ticketed.
But it’s Sunday morning and you work tomorrow.
Is it rude to mow your lawn on a Sunday?
It is not rude to mow your lawn on a Sunday and mowing your lawn is regular home maintenance that is enforced in most cities. Unfortunately, most people own gas-powered or electric lawnmowers that make a lot of noise, and if you pull it out on a Sunday you might get eye-rolls from your neighbors.
Why You Shouldn’t Mow Your Lawn on a Sunday
Let’s be clear; it is not rude to mow your lawn on a Sunday.
In fact, maintaining your property by mowing the lawn is a bylaw in most areas, and you could be ticketed for not mowing your lawn.
However, there are some reasons you shouldn’t mow your lawn on a Sunday.
Religious Gatherings
Many religious gatherings take place on Sundays, and operating a lawnmower near a place of worship could make you look rude or disrespectful.
Church usually starts around 10 am and finishes by noon. If you live near a church, you should avoid mowing your lawn during this time.
Disturb Your Neighbors’ Sleep
Friday nights and Saturday nights are usually reserved for fun that you can’t make time for during the week, and Sunday is your day to sleep in and go to bed early to get a better start to your week.
Mowing your lawn early in the morning or late at night can disturb your neighbors’ sleep.
And if your neighbors have young kids, starting your lawnmower early in the morning or late at night is going to make you the least-liked neighbor on the block.
Breaking Noise Bylaws
Many municipalities have noise bylaws that prohibit certain types of noises between the hours of 11 pm and 7 am.
Operating a gas-powered lawnmower during this time could violate these noise bylaws, and you could be ticketed.
Family Time
Sunday is often reserved as a day for family time.
If you mow your lawn on Sunday, you may be interrupting time spent with loved ones.
You’re Missing Your Weekend
By spending all your time on household chores this weekend, you’re going to miss out on some great opportunities.
You won’t be able to relax and enjoy yourself, and you’ll also miss out on quality time with friends and family.
Benefits to Mowing Your Lawn on a Sunday
Yes! There are benefits to mowing your lawn on a Sunday.
This is usually the only day of the week when most people have nothing else scheduled. This gives you plenty of time to get the job done without feeling rushed.
It’s also a great way to start the week.
Even Better: If there is any rain predicted for the rest of the week, it gives your lawn a chance to dry out before the downpour. This can help prevent diseases and fungus from taking hold.
When Is The Best Time To Mow Your Lawn
There are several things to consider when deciding the best time to mow your lawn.
- Temperature: The most important factor is the temperature. The best time to mow your lawn is from 8 am to 11 am, and from 5 pm to 7 pm. This time is outside most reduced-noise hours that are put in place by city bylaws, any at this time in the morning and evening the full heat hasn’t come out yet.
- Weather: In general, you should avoid mowing your lawn on days when rain is expected. Wet grass will clog up the blades of your mower and make it difficult to cut evenly. It’s also best not to mow your lawn when it is very dry, as this can lead to brown patches and increase the likelihood of weed growth.
- Schedule: Mowing your lawn on a weekly basis is the best way to keep it looking healthy and lush. Make sure to adjust your mowing schedule according to the season – during winter, you may only need to mow once every two weeks or so.
How To Keep Your Neighbors Happy
Despite how annoyed a neighbor will be at the sound of a lawnmower, they’ve all been there.
There’s not enough time during the week to get caught up on all the house chores, and a Sunday morning might be the best time to get the lawn mowed.
There are ways to avoid being “that neighbor” by mowing the lawn on a Sunday morning. Use these tips to keep your neighbors happy.
Talk to Your Neighbors
Just the act of reaching out can do a lot to keep the peace.
It shows that you care enough about your neighbors to take the time out of your day to talk to them.
These are some types of conversations you can have with your neighbors:
- Let them know in advance that you’ll be mowing your lawn on Sunday. This works well if you see your neighbors leading up to the weekend and can give them a heads up.
- If they have young children, find out what time they usually nap. If they wake up at 7 and take an hour-long nap at 11, try not to mow the lawn during that hour-long nap. Kids are unpredictable, and their naps won’t always be regular, but your neighbors will see your efforts.
- See if they have anything planned for Sunday. If they are having an outdoor party, mowing your lawn during that time might be seen as rude.
Use a Push Reel Lawnmower
Push reel lawn mowers are great for smaller yards.
They are mostly silent and don’t use electricity or gas, but they are a little more work to push.
This makes them a great option for your neighbors, and for the environment.
Mow Your Lawn at an Appropriate Time
There is a short period of time on Sundays that can be viewed as an acceptable time to mow your lawn. This is from 11 am until 5 pm.
Anytime before 11 am you risk waking neighbors who really enjoyed their Saturday night, or are taking time to sleep in from a long, exhausting week.
Anytime after 5 pm and you are getting into the dinner hour when everyone wants to start settling down.
Final Thoughts
Whether or not you choose to mow your lawn on a Sunday, it’s important to be considerate of those around you.
By following the noise bylaws and talking to your neighbors, you can help ensure that everyone enjoys their weekend without any unnecessary conflict.