Mowing might seem like a simple chore, but the way we cut grass can have a big impact on the environment. From protecting wildlife to reducing emissions, adopting eco-friendly mowing practices can help create a healthier, more sustainable landscape.
Here’s how to mow smarter, not harder, while keeping your lawn and local ecosystem thriving.
Why conventional mowing can be harmful
Many traditional mowing practices can negatively affect the environment:
- Excessive mowing can strip the soil of nutrients, reducing biodiversity.
- Fossil fuel-powered mowers release greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.
- Short cutting weakens grass roots and makes lawns more susceptible to drought.
- Wildlife disturbance harms beneficial insects, frogs, and even small mammals.
Luckily, a few simple changes can make mowing far more sustainable.
Eco-friendly mowing tips
1. Mow less often
Reducing how frequently you mow benefits both the environment and your lawn. Longer grass:
✔ Provides habitat for pollinators and insects
✔ Retains moisture better, reducing water use
✔ Strengthens root systems, making it more drought-resistant
Ideal frequency: Aim for every 2–4 weeks, depending on the season and grass type.
2. Raise the mower height
Cutting grass too short weakens it and makes it vulnerable to weeds, heat, and pests. A higher cut (7–10 cm) promotes deeper roots and better soil health.
Tip: The one-third rule—never cut more than one-third of the grass height at a time—prevents stress and helps maintain a resilient lawn.
3. Choose electric or manual mowers
Petrol mowers emit significant CO₂ and air pollution. Switching to a battery-powered electric mower or even a push reel mower dramatically reduces your carbon footprint (EPA, 2023).
Best options:
- Reel mowers – Quiet, emission-free, and great for small lawns.
- Cordless electric mowers – Low maintenance and efficient.
- Solar-powered mowers – A high-tech but eco-friendly choice.
4. Leave the clippings (Mulch Mowing)
Instead of bagging grass clippings, leave them on the lawn! Clippings:
✔ Naturally fertilize the soil
✔ Reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers
✔ Improve moisture retention
This technique, known as mulch mowing, cuts clippings finely and redistributes them back onto the lawn.
5. Create wild zones
Letting part of your yard grow naturally supports biodiversity and reduces the need for mowing. A wild zone can:
✔ Provide food and shelter for pollinators, birds, and small animals
✔ Reduce maintenance and water use
✔ Add a natural, wild beauty to your landscape
Even a small no-mow patch with native grasses and wildflowers can make a difference.
6. Time your mowing for wildlife
Avoid mowing in the early morning or late evening when frogs, insects, and small animals are most active. In spring, be mindful of nesting birds and other wildlife in taller grass. Check our other article about the best times to mow here.
Bonus Tip: Check for frogs, lizards, and insects before you mow, especially if your lawn has native plants or sits near a water source.
7. Use organic lawn care
Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides harm soil microbes and leach into waterways. Instead, opt for:
✔ Compost or organic fertilizers – Feed your lawn naturally
✔ Aeration – Improves soil health and water absorption
✔ Drought-resistant native grasses – Reduce the need for watering and mowing
The future of eco-friendly lawns
If you really want to go next level green, consider alternatives to traditional turf:
- Native ground covers (e.g., creeping saltbush, dichondra) need less mowing and watering.
- Micro-clover lawns require fewer cuts and naturally fix nitrogen in the soil.
- No-mow meadows with native wildflowers support biodiversity and look stunning.
By tweaking your mowing habits, you can reduce emissions, conserve water, and support local wildlife—all while keeping your lawn healthy. Whether it’s mowing less, switching to electric, or letting parts of your yard grow wild, small changes make a big impact.
The best lawn isn’t the most manicured—it’s the one that works with nature, not against it.
References
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2023). The Environmental Impact of Lawn Equipment. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/
- Australian Native Plants Society. (2023). Low-Maintenance Native Lawns and Ground Covers. Retrieved from https://anpsa.org.au/
- Sustainable Gardening Australia. (2023). Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Tips. Retrieved from https://www.sgaonline.org.au/