the (hefty) fine that you risk and soon even a ban

Did you know that it is not recommended to mow your lawn in June? If you didn’t know, be especially careful when maintaining your garden at this time of year! In fact, the LPO (Bird Protection League) strongly recommends avoiding mowing during this annual period, in order to preserve the animals that inhabit our outdoor spaces.

This ideal time to mow your lawn the first time of the year

According to several landscaping experts, it is strongly recommended to mow the lawn for the first time after the winter season. Indeed, not only is frost no longer a concern in spring, but the days are also milder. The months of March and April are therefore ideal periods. It seems that mowing should begin when the grass reaches a height of 7 to 8 centimeters. Remember that the way you trim your lawn will impact the entire season. Therefore, it is recommended to mow at a height of 3 centimeters for an ornamental lawn, and 5 centimeters for a decorative lawn.

When to mow your lawn, what does the law say?

According to Decree No. 2006-1099 of August 31, 2006, intended to limit annoying noise, various time slots are authorized:

• Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., then from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Sundays and public holidays between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

However, these time slots may vary depending on the municipalities. It is therefore advisable to contact your town hall if in doubt. On the other hand, if you do not respect these times, you risk a penalty in the form of a fine of 68 euros. You can either pay it immediately, or you have 45 days to do so. After this period, the fine amounts to 180 euros.

Why does the League for the Protection of Birds advise against mowing the lawn in June?

In June, the League for the Protection of Birds does not hesitate to warn those who have a garden. In fact, you really shouldn’t mow your lawn at this time. Cutting your grass short could really endanger the wildlife that inhabits our garden, such as hedgehogs, birds, amphibians and even insects. For example, birds have more difficulty feeding if insects are killed while mowing.

This also has an impact on the flora, as explained by the LPO of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. “Mowing the lawn too closely does not allow plants to flower, which limits pollination and therefore the spread of species”specifies it on its site.

“By favoring diverse vegetation (grass, dandelions, moss, flowers, various plants, bushes, hedges, shrubs, trees, etc.) you provide both shelter and encourage the development of insects, a food resource for many species. By offering different levels of plant strata, you further encourage the welcoming of wild fauna and flora, because from the roots to the crown there is natural accommodation for everyone”she adds.

In other words, you risk no fine, but you could well harm the beautiful ecosystem around you. Suffice to say that your lawn can wait a little if it is for the well-being of the fauna and flora.