Councils can issue fines to gardeners who mow their lawns outside of sociable hours as it creates a noise disturbance, with weekend restrictions stricter than weekdays
10:08, 24 Mar 2026Updated 10:54, 24 Mar 2026
Local councils can issue fines to those who mow their lawns outside of sociable hours(Image: Getty)
In just over a month, gardeners across the country will be putting their lawnmowers away for a temporary hiatus during No Mow May. Anyone keen to ensure their turf is neat and tidy before the break might want to get mowing over the next few months, but the green-fingered out there should be cautious about mowing the lawn during particular times of the day at weekends or they could be hit with a substantial fine of up to £5,000.
Local authorities can impose fines on those who cut their lawns outside of reasonable hours simply because it causes a noise nuisance. If a council deems a noise disturbance has occurred, they can serve a Noise Abatement Notice which demands the noise be halted during restricted hours.
Mowing between 8am and 8pm is typically considered acceptable on weekdays as these are reasonable hours, whilst on Saturdays and Sundays mowing should be limited to between 9am and 7pm. Those who fire up their lawn mower beyond these hours risk being slapped with a fine for causing a noise disturbance during anti-social times of the day.
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On their website, East Coast Fencing says: “Most people naturally opt for weekends to complete household and garden chores, including mowing the lawn. However, weekends are also when noise complaints tend to rise as families aim to relax or catch up on sleep. To prevent frustrations, pay extra attention to the timing of your mowing on Saturdays and Sundays.
“On weekdays, acceptable mowing hours typically range from around 8am to 8pm in residential areas. This range takes into account workers who may need to start their lawns early before their workday or later in the evening upon returning home. Weekday allowances are often slightly more flexible compared to weekends.
“During weekends, stricter noise rules may apply due to the majority of residential homes being occupied throughout the day. For instance, many councils recommend no lawn mowing before 9am on Saturdays and 10am on Sundays, with a cut-off time of 7pm. These specific timings may vary depending on local council noise regulations, so checking their advice is strongly recommended,” reports the Express.
Whilst there’s no legislation that explicitly prohibits lawn mowing during particular hours of the day, it’s wisest to hold off mowing your lawn until after 8am on a weekday, or after 9am at the weekend, to avoid being penalised for creating a noise disturbance.
Daniel McAfee, Head of Legal Operations at Lawhive, explains: “Non-compliance with an abatement notice can lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £5,000 for domestic premises. This is not an empty threat – these fines are real, and local authorities do enforce them.
“There is no nationwide restriction on when individuals may cut their grass; however, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 provides local authorities with powers to address noise that constitutes a statutory nuisance.
“To be more precise, noise that is excessive, unreasonable, and persistent, particularly during unsociable hours, can result in abatement notices, fines up to £5,000, and in some cases, even prosecution.
“Avoid very early or late hours. Generally speaking, it’s safest to operate noisy tools between 9am and 7pm. Notify neighbours in advance of using machinery like hedge trimmers or pressure washers. Opt for quieter tools where possible.
“Limit duration and avoid back-to-back noisy days, especially on weekends. Consider your neighbours’ specific circumstances (e.g., shift workers, infants), and adjust accordingly.”
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