What time can you mow your lawn?

If you were considering doing some midnight mowing, you might need to think again. While it’s not illegal to mow your lawn very early in the morning or late at night, if you do not comply with relevant Environmental Protection Acts or other council regulations, you may receive a warning and/or a financial or non-financial penalty. Mowing at a time deemed ‘unreasonable’ can also create issues with your neighbours, which is best to be avoided. 

However, mowing your lawn is a necessary part of regular garden maintenance and can provide significant benefits to your lawn. We break down what restrictions apply to lawn mowing by state and territory, and what time you can mow your lawn. 

Are there restrictions on when you can mow your lawn?

As the average lawn mower can emit up to 85-95 decibels, mowing can create some serious noise pollution. Not only do you need to ensure you are wearing adequate hearing protection, but also be mindful of disturbing your neighbours. All Australian states and territories have their own restrictions on reducing noise pollution, and your local council may even have some specific rules in place.  

When you can mow your lawn by state and territory

As mentioned above, the restrictions of when you are allowed to mow your lawn varies by state and territory. 

What time can I mow my lawn in Victoria 

The Environmental Protection Authority of Victoria specifies that you can use your lawn mower between:

• 7:00am to 8:00pm Monday to Friday.
• 9:00am to 8:00pm Weekends and public holidays.

What time can I mow my lawn in New South Wales

LawAccess NSW states that although majority of noise complaints are dealt with on a council level, you can use your lawn mower from:

• 7:00am to 8:00pm Monday to Saturday. 
• 8:00am to 8:00pm Sunday and public holidays.

What time can I mow my lawn in Queensland

The Queensland Government follows the Environmental Protection Act 1994, which specifies that you can use your mower from:

• 7:00am to 7:00pm Monday to Saturday.
• 8:00am to 7:00pm Sundays and public holidays.

What time can I mow my lawn in South Australia

According to the Environmental Protection Authority South Australia, you can use your mowing and tree maintenance equipment from:

• 7:00am to 7:00pm Monday to Saturday.
• 9:00am to 7:00pm Sunday and public holidays.

What time can I mow my lawn in Western Australia

In Western Australia, you can use your mowing equipment for up to two hours between the hours of:

• 7:00am to 7:00pm Monday to Saturday.
• 9:00am to 7:00pm Sundays and public holidays. 

What time can I mow my lawn in Tasmania

The Environmental Protection Authority of Tasmania outlines that mowing equipment can be used from:

• 7:00am to 8:00pm Monday to Friday.
• 9:00am to 8:00pm Saturdays.
• 10:00am to 8:00pm Sundays and public holidays. 

What time can I mow my lawn in Northern Territory

• 7:00am to 8:00pm Monday to Saturday.
• 8:00am to 8:00pm Sundays and public holidays.

What time can I mow my lawn in the Australian Capital Territory 

According to Access Canberra, you can make noise with a lawn mower or perform garden maintenance with gardening equipment in the ACT from:

• 7:00am to 8:00pm Monday to Saturday.
• 8:00am to 8:00pm Sunday and public holidays

What is the best time to mow your lawn?

We usually recommend that the best time to mow your lawn is either in the morning or afternoon, to avoid the intensive heat and UV rays. The exact time depends on your personal preference, however make sure it is between the listed times above. If your lawn is wet, it’s best to wait until it has dried before mowing. 

With Jim’s Mowing, we will handle all your lawn mowing and other garden maintenance so you don’t have to worry! Simply contact us or get a free quote today!