It's time to mow the lawn! What can be done to reduce emissions other than getting a push or electric mower?

Question

Plug-in and push mowers are not practical for those of us with large yards. Is there anything else that can be done to reduce emissions from lawn mowing?

You guys are so funny with your rabbits goats and cows. You may want to have a talk with someone about your animal fetishes. It appears you are also obsessed with global warming because your answers sound like they are aimed at someone who believes in the human cause of it and I'm not.

I'm not sure I buy that it's better exercise with a push because even though I have a self propelled mower, I turn it off because I think it cuts too fast and leaves clumps (I mulch). I think my mower is much heavier to push than ones without an engine.

aGhost - I didn't say I don't think man has an effect on the environment. I just don't believe that man is responsible or can materially effect global warming. That doesn't mean I don't want cleaner air and less toxins that create cancer, asthma and other diseases.

beauty - I guess you are obsessed also. It's goofy to think that some person asking about lawn mowing on Yahoo is going to go out and buy cattle to manage their lawn. I have no doubt that the first two guys were being sarcastic. This internet is a wacky place.

Grizz- I like your suggestion for people who can do it. It's not practical for me because I use my yard a lot and even if I didn't, my homeowners association wouldn't allow what you are talking about. For people who don't have kids and don't use their yards and don't have restrictions it's an option - maybe not to get rid of grass entirely, but to significantly reduce the amount of it.

T.T. - Wow - you got my new name and you are not even from Chicago, Austin or Hawaii! I'm impressed! They have a new CD coming out soon and I got to hear a sampling a few months back when I saw them. It's going to be rockin - not like their last one. Seeing them at HOB in May.

Answer 1

HI!!

Keep that mower engine in tune and the oil changed. A good sharp blade not only produces a nicer cut, it makes the engine work less hard and as a result, it will run cleaner.

A selection of upbeat Poi Dog tunes for your Ipod will make you walk faster as you mow. Less time running the engine may reduce your emissions, too. It's good for your heart as well.

TT

Answer 2

First. If you don't believe that man can affect the environment then why do you care about emissions? Your words don't match your convictions it seems.

Second. Select a large enough mower to do the job quickly. You may want to consider a front mount zero turn type mower as they will cut down your running time by a great deal. All the new mowers have to meet CARB standards for emissions, but if you buy a mower that has a motor that is too small then you will always be taxing the motor and burning more fuel. Make sure the mower is tuned every year and that the blades are sharp and the deck is clean. Always cut with the motor running at full throttle. It is designed to run that way and will be less efficient if you don't. Don't cut the grass too short. Pull out the weeds as they grow faster then grass and cause you to cut more often then necessary. I cut about 5 acres by the way.

Answer 3

Realize that if you let the grass grow some and not cut it every week, the world will not come to an end.

How big of a yard do you consider as "large"? I used to have about a 1.5 acre yard. I found I could actually cut it faster (and better!) with a push mower (not one of those self-propelled pieces of junk either that go too slow for me.)- and it was great exercise. Don't think of it as a push mower. Think of it as an inexpensive exercise machine.

I now have a considerably smaller yard, and as long as the grass isn't too high, I'll use a non-motorized mower. No gas, no noise, no emissions, a helluva lotta sweat.

Answer 4

You can purchase mowers with lower emissions as are required by several states in the USA.


You can make sure that your mower is well tuned and that the engine is working efficiently. Replace spark plugs at least once a year and keep the engine well lubricated. Keep the blades sharp to reduce wear on the engine.

You might also look into slow growing grasses for your lawn.

Answer 5

Try experiment with diffferent kinds of grass. Look for a golf course in your area, and give them a call. Since lawn maintenance is so important and such an expense for them, they will definitely be able to give you advice on how to keep your lawn nice without wasting as much energy.


I don't get why you asked about emissions if you do not feel as though they are leading to climate change. It seems like the others gave you some good advice, considering your original question was about emissions.

Also, about the rabbits and goats, I found this on Wikipedia:Before the invention of mowing machines in 1830, lawns were managed differently from today. Lawns belonging to wealthy people were sometimes maintained by the labour-intensive methods of scything and shearing.In most cases however, they were pasture land, maintained by grazing with sheep or other livestock. Areas of grass grazed regularly by rabbits, horses or sheep over a long period can form a very low, tight sward which is similar to a modern lawn. This was the original meaning of the word "lawn", and the term can still be found in place-names. Some forest areas where extensive grazing is practiced still have these semi-natural lawns. For example, in the New Forest, England, such grazed areas still occur commonly and are still called lawns, for example Balmer Lawn.

Answer 6

don know
reduce the use of fertilizers n watering since they make grass grow faster.
just to the point the grass doesn't turn brown or super weeds start to grow.

people r really stupid these days for the overuse of fertilizers. they think having a super green lawn weed free is great but the reality is most of the time the lawn is not used for much activities. I have successfully maintained a bright green healthy lawn without any fertilizers n sure once in a while there a few weeds, but it works! cause the fertilizers we all use are just washing away into the ocean killing everything.

Answer 7

You could always get rid of the lawn all together, you wouldn't be the first person to give up spending hundreds of dollars per year trying to keep a "perfect" green lawn. Many people are giving up on grass for more natural look with plants which are incumbent to the area.

It is known as naturescaping and xeriscaping

Answer 8

Think of it this way ,the mower motor does not breath more air than a few people. The grass will take in most of the CO2 that is produced and give u back oxygen.

Answer 9

I mow 2 acres with a reel type push mower, no motors just me and the mower.
What's the problem? The only pollution is my pits after a day on the grass.

Answer 10

Using a eclectic mower does not decrease emissions, it just moves them from your yard to the power plant unless you get your power from hydro of nuclear plants. I assume your concern is local air quality since you don't worry about global warming, so you could get one of the new battery operated mowers. For example http://www.peoplepoweredmachines.com/sunlawn-reel/em1-electric-mower.htm?gclid=CPmBopiUmosCFQE5UQodjlOQSw