Lawn-mowing might feel like a chore but if you want grass that you’re proud of you need to mow. In fact, lawn-mowing is probably the most crucial of all regular lawn care tasks. This gardening task is usually carried out in the morning or evening, as this is when the weather is at its coolest.

However, gardeners are being reminded that this could potentially cause problems. John Seed from LightingLegends.com lighting company explained that you could find yourself having to pay a fine if you carry out noisy garden jobs outside a certain time frame.

John noted that it’s always considerate to think about your neighbours when carrying out noisy garden work using power tools like your lawnmower to avoid any complaints.

He explained: “While there are no laws on this, local councils will all have their own guidelines you should adhere to. Most councils recommend carrying out noisy work between 8am and 6pm on weekdays, and advise avoiding excessive noise outside of those hours. Carrying out work outside of these hours could result in complaints from neighbours. 

“Councils also have the right to investigate noises between 11pm and 7am under the Environmental Protection Act of 1990 and can issue a warning notice. Failure to comply can result in a fixed penalty notice fine of £110.”

For residential properties fines can go up to a fine of £5,000 and for businesses they can reach up to £20,000.

To avoid fines and maintain good relations with your neighbours, know the regulations, communicate with neighbours and use noisy equipment like your lawnmower at reasonable times.

It can be worth creating natural sound barriers with hedges or fences to keep noise levels down.

Households can also be fined if they play loud music in their garden at unsociable hours.

If they find your music to be a nuisance your neighbours can complain and the council can investigate you under the Environmental Protection Act of 1990. Similar to carrying out loud garden jobs “you could be given a fixed penalty notice”. 

John warned: “If you fail to comply, you could even be given a noise abatement notice and face fines up to £5,000.”