Lawn mowing is a common chore for many homeowners. But when is the right or wrong time to mow your lawn? Is 7pm too late to start up the lawnmower? There are a few factors to consider when deciding what time of day is best for cutting the grass.
Noise and neighborhood etiquette
One of the biggest reasons why late evening lawn mowing could be an issue is due to the noise produced by gas or electric mowers. The low hum of a push mower may not cause too much of a disturbance. But the higher decibel roaring of a riding or self-propelled power mower can be disruptive to neighbors trying to relax or sleep at that time of night.
Most residential areas have local noise ordinances that prohibit loud outdoor maintenance activity during certain nighttime hours. For example, the city may prohibit lawn mowing after 7pm or after sunset. So check your local regulations to ensure late mowing won’t violate any noise rules.
Even if it’s legally allowed, mowing at 7pm or later can still annoy nearby neighbors. At that time of evening most people are winding down from the day, having dinner, putting kids to bed, watching TV shows or talking on the phone. A loud motor running up and down the yard could be seen as inconsiderate and disruptive.
To maintain positive relationships with neighbors, it’s best to do any loud yardwork earlier in the day. Mowing right at sunset or in the early evening lacks lawn etiquette. You could be viewed as the annoying neighbor with no regard for others.
Safety and visibility concerns
Mowing the lawn in the later evening also comes with some safety concerns. First is the issue of visibility. As it starts to get dark, you’ll have more difficulty seeing yard debris like sticks or stones that could be thrown by the mower blades. Poor visibility increases the risk of objects cracking windows, vehicles, or accidentally injuring someone. Turning on exterior lighting helps, but it’s best to finish mowing when there is still ample daylight.
Similarly, after the sun sets it becomes harder for you to be seen by others. In the low light conditions, pedestrians, kids playing, or cars backing out of driveways will have trouble spotting you mowing the lawn. This reduces reaction time and places both you and others in danger of collisions or accidents.
Hazards like holes, ditches, and uneven terrain also become harder to see as natural light fades. So mowing in the darkness creates a slip, trip and fall risk. You may twist an ankle or worse by inadvertently stepping into an unseen hazard.
For safety, it’s best to start mowing early enough to finish when there is still daylight. You want ample visibility of your lawn’s terrain and for other people to be aware of your presence.
Grass health
In addition to noise and safety issues, mowing late in the evening can be bad for your lawn’s health. Cutting grass at night causes much more stress and damage to the blades than proper daytime mowing. This stress can be seen in several ways:
- Night mowing often leaves clumps of grass clippings that block sunlight and smother grass overnight.
- Photosynthesis shuts down after dark, so there is no growth recovery until daylight returns.
- Morning dew on the grass can cause clumping and sticking of clippings.
- Disease susceptibility increases due to overnight moisture and reduced turf health.
For the greenest, healthiest lawn, most horticulture experts recommend mowing sometime between late morning and early evening. This allows time for the grass blades to dry properly in the sun. Mowing too late prevents drying and increases lawn disease risk.
Personal fatigue and performance
Operating any machinery when tired comes with risks. But mowing a lawn in the later evening may increase fatigue issues compared to mowing earlier in the day. Here are some reasons why you may be more tired and mow less effectively at 7pm:
- Mental and physical exhaustion from a long workday.
- Greater temptation to rush the job before it gets too dark.
- Increased annoyance from mosquitoes, bugs, and other pests.
- Higher risk of fatigue-related slips, falls, or loss of concentration.
- Reduced vision and motor skills as melatonin levels rise at night.
While moderate exercise from pushing a mower can boost evening energy, operating heavy power equipment when already tired has risks. For best results, mow when feeling most alert and focused earlier in the day.
Alternatives to evening mowing
Mowing grass after 7pm comes with drawbacks like noise, reduced safety, and subpar lawn care. But if your schedule leaves no choice, consider these alternatives:
- Use a quieter push or electric mower to reduce noise.
- Talk to neighbors about mowing plans so they aren’t surprised.
- Install motion sensor lighting around the yard’s perimeter.
- Wear reflective clothing to improve visibility.
- Take a caffeine break for a quick energy boost.
- Hydrate and splurge on bug spray to limit distractions.
- Mow across slopes rather than up and down to prevent slips.
While mowing at night should not become routine, in a pinch these tips can help get the job done safely.
Best lawn mowing times
Mowing occasionally in the early evening may be unavoidable. But for ideal grass health and relationships with neighbors, stick to mowing at these better times of day:
- Early morning – Mow after the morning dew has dried but before the day heats up. Less stressful for the grass.
- Late morning/Early afternoon – Turfgrass is less vulnerable to heat damage. Drying conditions are excellent.
- Early evening – Good timing before dew returns. But stop early enough to avoid annoying neighbors.
The worst times for mowing are mid-day when heat is intense, and late at night when the grass can’t dry properly. Watch weather forecasts before mowing, as cutting wet grass clumps the blades and tears them rather than cutting cleanly.
Mowing tips for a healthy lawn
Whenever you mow, certain best practices lead to an enviable lawn:
- Never cut grass lower than 3 inches, as it harms the plants.
- Only mow up to 1/3 of the blade height per cut, about an inch for tall grass.
- Keep mower blades sharp, as dull ones tear grass rather than slicing it.
- Give grass time after mowing to recover before the next cut.
- Alternate mowing direction each time to prevent matting.
- Leave grass clippings in place to return nutrients, unless they clump.
- Adjust cutting height higher during hot, dry, or drought periods.
Proper mowing technique ensures a healthy, green lawn all season long. But timing is also key. Whenever possible, move mowing earlier in the day for ideal results.
Conclusion
Mowing the lawn at 7pm is not necessarily forbidden, but does come with some downsides. The noise can irritate neighbors. Low evening light creates safety hazards. And nighttime mowing stresses grass health compared to proper daytime lawn care. While an occasional evening mow may be needed, it’s best to plan ahead and complete lawn cutting chores earlier in the day for ideal outcomes.
