Comment bien tondre sa pelouse : toutes nos astuces
Mowing your lawn may seem like a simple task, but it actually requires attention and know-how. Not to mention that it generates noise, so it is essential to respect the hours and days when mowing is allowed. From an organizational and results perspective, you must follow some basic rules, such as choosing the cutting height, the timing of the first mow of the year, and using the right equipment. Discover all our tips here to mow your lawn like a pro and avoid common mistakes.
When to mow your lawn?
After the first mow of the year, you will need to regularly maintain your lawn by mowing it at intervals that vary depending on the season and the growth of the grass. However, be careful not to mow too often or too short, as this can weaken and yellow your lawn. Here are some tips to find the right rhythm and cutting height.
How often?
The frequency and timing of mowing depend on the type of grass, the season, and the desired result. Generally, you should mow your lawn at least once a week during periods of strong growth, in spring and autumn, and every 15 days in summer when growth is slower.
The right time of year for the first mow
Not too early, not too late! Specifically, plan the first mow of the year in March when the grass starts to be tall enough, around 8 cm. At this time, severe frosts are ruled out. If you don't wait for this favorable period, you risk making the lawn more susceptible to diseases .
What time of day?
You should also choose the right time of day to mow your lawn: not too early in the morning, not too late in the evening, and not in full sun. The best time to mow your lawn is mid-morning or late afternoon when the temperature is moderate, and the ground is dry.
What time to mow your lawn?
However, be mindful of the time and day! The choice of time to mow your lawn is important to respect the neighborhood and regulations. Indeed, there are hours that vary depending on the municipalities and days of the week.
In most cases, it is forbidden to mow your lawn:
- Before 8 am and after 8 pm from Monday to Friday
- Before 9 am and after 7 pm on Saturday
- Before 10 am and after 12 pm on Sunday and public holidays
However, check with your town hall for the exact hours. These may vary depending on the location and various criteria that may lead municipalities to adapt this organization.
How to mow your lawn?
Today, the choice is so vast that it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between two models. However, there are different categories that will help you make an initial selection:
Electric mower | Gasoline mower | Manual mower | Robotic mower |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric mowers are ideal for small and medium-sized lawns, less than 1000 m2. They are lightweight, easy to maneuver, quiet, and emit no CO2. However, their autonomy is quite low (about 60 minutes), which can be resolved by purchasing a second battery. | Gasoline mowers, powered by a gasoline engine, are ideal for large areas and difficult terrains. Although noisier and requiring more maintenance than their electric counterparts, they offer unparalleled freedom of movement. However, an essential aspect is often overlooked: the choice of fuel. Did you know that using suitable gasoline, such as high-performance alkylate gasoline, improves the performance and longevity of your gasoline mower? These specialized fuels reduce pollutant emissions, facilitate starting, and limit engine fouling. This is particularly the case with ActiSTART 4T for individuals who regularly use their lawnmowers. But it is also the case with ActiSTART 2T, which is more suitable for professional tools such as chainsaws or hedge trimmers at a reasonable price. These products are equipped with high-performance alkylate gasoline that combines environmental respect and engine protection. At the same time, they ensure optimal combustion and easy starts, even after prolonged storage. | Today rarer, manual mowers, or reel mowers, are perfect for small areas and gardeners concerned about the environment and noise. Without a motor, they are indeed quiet and ecological. Moreover, they allow for a clean and precise cut of the grass. However, they require more physical effort and are less suitable for large areas or terrains with tall grass. It is better to reserve them for a small flat garden. | A real trend at the moment, robotic mowers are practical for those who want to maintain their lawn effortlessly. However, they come at a cost, as robots are more expensive than traditional mowers. Like robotic vacuum cleaners, these devices operate autonomously, moving randomly or according to a predefined program to mow the lawn. But they are particularly suitable for flat and open terrains. Another slight drawback is that installing a robotic mower may require laying a perimeter wire to delimit the mowing area. However, more advanced models have sensors to avoid obstacles and return to their charging station automatically. |
What to do with moving waste?
Today, many mowers (gasoline, electric, or robotic) offer mulching, which means finely chopping the grass as soon as it is mowed. It then falls back onto the lawn, so there is no need to deal with mowing waste.
However, if your mower does not have this option, you can dispose of mowing waste in an ecological and responsible manner.
Note that more and more waste disposal sites no longer accept mowing waste. This is precisely to encourage people to recycle this plant waste.
There are various solutions, such as composting and mulching. If you have a composter (some municipalities provide composting bins), you can mix mowing waste with other organic waste, such as fruit or vegetable peelings, eggshells, etc., to obtain natural fertilizer.
On the other hand, mulching involves spreading mowing waste on the ground around plants to protect them from drying out and weeds. It is an excellent way to recycle this waste, which ultimately is not waste at all.
In any case, you should absolutely avoid burning mowing waste, as it releases CO2 and can start a fire.