The do’s and don'ts of strata lawn mowing

Whether you live in single-home units, townhouses, or multi-storey low- or high-rise strata buildings, strata lawn mowing is essential to maintaining the appearance and value of your property. But, it can also be a source of conflict and confusion if not done properly, not to mention the impact on the quality of life of the occupants in your strata scheme. 

Here are some dos and don'ts to help you keep your lawn in tip-top shape and avoid any inconveniences with your fellow residents.

Do’s

1. Follow the by-laws and rules of your scheme

Every strata scheme has its own by-laws and rules that govern the use and maintenance of the common property, including the lawn. If your property is made up of individual units that have their own lawns, you should ensure that the occupants in your scheme are familiar with these by-laws and rules and follow them accordingly. 

For example, some schemes may have specific requirements for the frequency, timing, and method of lawn mowing. Others may have restrictions on the use of pesticides, fertilisers, or water. If occupants in your scheme are unsure about the by-laws and rules of your scheme, you should be on hand to clarify the rules.

The same by-laws apply to the lawns in the common areas as well, so make sure that any strata lawn mowing contractor or strata gardening company is informed about your by-laws.

2. Mow the lawn regularly and evenly

Regular and even lawn mowing is important for keeping your lawn healthy and attractive. It helps prevent weeds, pests, diseases, and thatch from taking over. It also promotes a uniform growth and colour of the grass. 

You should ensure that the lawns on your property get mowed at least once every two weeks during the growing season and less frequently during the dormant season. You should also adjust the height of the mower blades according to the type and condition of the grass. Generally, you should not cut more than one-third of the grass height at a time.

If all of this is too technical or you don’t have the time to undertake the mowing yourself, you can always hire a professional strata grounds and garden maintenance company.

3. Clean up after mowing

After mowing the lawn, you should ensure that the lawn is free of any grass clippings, debris, or litter that may have accumulated on the lawn or on other parts of the common property. 

Make sure to dispose of them properly in a compost bin or a green waste bin if available. You should also clean any equipment that you used for mowing and store it safely in your allocated space or garage. This will help keep your lawn tidy and prevent any hazards or nuisances for other residents.

4. Minimise chemical usage 

Limit the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides on your lawn to protect pollinators, beneficial insects, and water quality. 

You should opt for organic or natural alternatives whenever possible to reduce the risk of harm to wildlife and ecosystems while maintaining a healthy lawn. 

5. Monitor soil levels and adjust irrigation schedules 

Regularly monitor soil moisture levels and adjust irrigation schedules based on weather conditions to avoid overwatering and water waste. 

Invest in smart irrigation systems with moisture sensors or weather-based controllers to optimise water usage and prevent runoff, leaching, and waterlogged soil, promoting healthier turf and conserving water resources. 

Don'ts

1. Mow the lawn too short or too long

Mowing the lawn too short or too long can have negative consequences for your lawn and your scheme. 

Mowing the lawn too short can expose the soil to erosion, moisture evaporation, and weed invasion. It can also stress the grass and make it more susceptible to diseases and pests. Mowing the lawn too long, on the other hand, can create a thick layer of thatch that blocks air, water, and nutrients from reaching the soil. It can also create a favourable environment for fungi, insects, and rodents. 

Ideally, the length of grass in the lawn should be between 2.5 cm and 7.5 cm in height.

2. Mow the lawn without notification

You should only coordinate mowing your lawn after notifying your fellow occupant. This is to ensure that they have the time to prepare or don’t interfere with the scheduled mowing. You should also respect the privacy and peace of other residents and avoid mowing the lawn at unreasonable hours or in a noisy manner.

3. Neglect equipment maintenance 

You should regularly maintain lawn mowing equipment, such as by sharpening mower blades, checking fuel levels, and cleaning debris from mower decks. 

Failure to properly maintain equipment can lead to inefficient mowing results, equipment malfunctions, or safety hazards, diminishing the overall quality of lawn maintenance within the strata complex.

4. Avoid the usage of harmful chemicals 

You should avoid using harsh chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers that may pose risks to human health, wildlife, or water quality.

Opt for eco-friendly alternatives or organic lawn care practices to maintain a healthy and sustainable landscape without compromising environmental integrity or endangering local ecosystems. 

Work with a professional strata gardening company for all your strata lawn mowing needs

Strata lawn mowing is not only a matter of aesthetics but also of responsibility and respect. By following these dos and don'ts, you can ensure that the lawn in your property is well cared for and that you are providing your occupants with a good living experience.

Often, the best way to ensure that your lawn looks tip-top is to partner with a professional service provider. With their expertise and experience, they can meet all your requirements without too much effort from your end.