Are you the noisy neighbour?

Posted on September 11, 2017 by Melissa - Lawn Care Support Blogs, North Queensland Lawns

Lawn mowers, whipper snippers, leaf blowers, mulchers – lawn care can be a noisy business – but there are ways that you can take care of your yard without being that noisy neighbour that everyone complains about. It’s not just common courtesy and great for neighbourhood harmony, it’s also a legal requirement.

We all need to make sure that we are not interfering with other people’s quality of life and that we are not in breach of local council noise restrictions. The restrictions exist for a reason. Under Queensland’s Environmental Protection Act 1994, breaches can result in an on-the-spot fine for non-compliance of $1100 for an individual and $2200 for a corporation. It doesn’t matter where in Queensland you live, including north Queensland, because all local councils in the state are legally required to enforce this act. Lawn maintenance falls under the category of ‘Tools and Maintenance Noise’ and involves the use of grass cutters such as lawn mowers, edge cutters, leaf blowers and mulchers. The noise restrictions state that no clearly audible noise is allowed between 7pm and 7am Monday to Saturday and 7pm to 8am on Sundays and Public Holidays. So, you’ll need to schedule your lawn care to comply with these times – your neighbours will appreciate it too.

How to ensure you’re not the noisy neighbour driving everyone crazy:

•  Talk to your neighbours and see if there are times when your lawn maintenance noise may disturb them or times that would be better for you to make noise. If there’s a new baby next door it’s pretty certain the new parents would appreciate you not mowing when the baby is napping.
• Consider the alternatives – can you sweep instead of using a leaf blower, compost instead of mulching, or use electric powered devices over petrol engines?
• Think about location – is it possible to use your mulcher on the other side of the house, away from your closest neighbours or on the side where you know your neighbours are at work or away for the weekend.
• Regular maintenance of your equipment, such as chainsaws and lawn mowers, will reduce the noise it makes as well as improving the effectiveness.
• Modifications – engine-powered equipment modification to reduce the noise they emit could be an option but always get advice from the manufacturer or a professional before attempting or scheduling any modifications.
• Building – a fence or barrier with no gaps will help to reduce noise levels.
• Information – ensure you know what is acceptable and legal in your local council area.

Learn more about lawn care maintenance with the team at Harden Park Lawns.