For some, it is the music of May. For others, it is an antisocial irritation. But wherever you stand on the lawnmower hum, be careful — or you could fall foul of the law and face a fine of up to £5,000.
The Sound of Summer
Name: Lawnmower hum. Age: Getting steadily louder since 1830. Appearance: From roughly 1 April to late September. It is the sound of summer, providing the background noise to the season with its rip, chug and whine of mowers big and small.
Columnist William Sitwell calls it 'the music of May', but not everyone agrees. Lawnmower noise is a perennial summer complaint, pitting neighbour against neighbour.
When Feuds Boil Over
A woman in Wiltshire is facing up to a year in jail for deliberately leaving her lawnmower running while her neighbours were having a dinner party. This action represented the culmination of a 15-year feud and the violation of a restraining order.
While some enjoy the sound, others find it irritating, especially on weekends when people are trying to relax in their gardens. As one observer noted, 'Maybe it sounds better when you're the one doing the mowing.'
Legal Restrictions on Mowing
Local authorities have the power to impose fines of up to £5,000 on people who cut their grass outside of reasonable hours. Generally, 8am to 8pm is considered acceptable on weekdays. Some councils recommend restrictions of 9am to 7pm on Saturdays, and 10am to 7pm on Sundays.
The irritation also extends to the antisocial use of other noisy tools: hedge trimmers, edge strimmers, pressure washers, and angle grinders — anything that disturbs the peace.
A Matter of Mutual Consideration
It is a matter of mutual consideration and compromise, but also a matter of law. The restrictions may not help you read a book in a hammock of an afternoon, but they aim to balance the needs of gardeners and those seeking peace.
Do say: 'If you can't pinpoint the inconsiderate lawnmower user in your area, then the inconsiderate lawnmower user may be you.' Don't say: 'Don't worry, neighbour! I got you a pair of ear defenders as well!'
