Don’t be the noisy neighbour

Posted on August 12, 2015 by Melissa - General Lawn Turf Blogs

Sometimes lawn and garden maintenance can be a noisy affair – lawnmowers, whipper snippers, leaf blowers, mulchers – but there are ways that you can take care of your yard without being that noisy neighbour that everyone in the street complains about. In fact, it not just common courtesy and the best thing from 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 certainly that we are not in breach of local council noise restrictions.

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. And it doesn’t matter where in Queensland you live 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 and edge cutters as well as 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.

How to ensure you’re not in breach and being a good neighbour too:

• Talk to your neighbours and ask them 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 that mum and dad would appreciate you not mowing when the baby is napping.
• Think about the alternatives – can you sweep instead of using a leaf blower, compost instead of mulching, or use electric powered devices over petrol engines?
• Consider your 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.
• Regular maintenance of your equipment will reduce the noise it makes as well as improving the effectiveness.
• Modifications to engine-powered equipment to reduce the noise they emit may be an option but always get advice from the manufacturer or a professional before attempting or scheduling any modifications.
• Build a fence or barrier; a solid fence with no gaps will help to reduce noise levels.
• Inform yourself; ensure you know what is acceptable and allowable in your local council area.

Contact your local council for more information on noise restrictions. Contact Harden Park Lawns for more information on the best lawn for your place.