At one point or another, every homeowner has considered what it would be like to never mow their grass again. While the thought can initially appear quite liberating, the reality of doing so comes with a whole host of consequences. Let’s take a look at what would happen if you decided to leave your grass totally to its own devices.
After a few weeks of not mowing, the first thing you’re likely to see is seed heads sprouting—a process commonly called “letting grass go to seed.” While there’s nothing inherently wrong with letting grass do this, if your goal is to maintain a good-looking and resilient lawn, it can be problematic. More than anything, this process uses tons of energy—energy the grass could otherwise be using to stay strong and healthy. As a result, the grass may become more susceptible to disease, drought, and weed invasions—and when any of these things happen, it can be near impossible to restore your grass to its former glory.
Apart from the impact on the health of your grass, neglecting to mow can also create an inviting environment for pests. Long, unkempt grass provides ideal conditions for various pests to thrive—the most daunting being ticks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tick-related illnesses have increased by 25% from 2011 to 2019. So, if you’d like your lawn to be a place where you can enjoy fun and leisure, it’s best to think twice before turning your lawn into a tick paradise.
Lastly, neglecting to mow your lawn may have legal consequences. Many towns and homeowners’ associations have ordinances or regulations in place that require homeowners to maintain their lawns within a reasonable standard. If your lawn becomes excessively overgrown and violates these ordinances, you may receive warnings or fines. In some cases, persistent non-compliance could lead to legal action and further penalties. While you might think such legal action may never actually happen, there are a handful of cases that suggest otherwise. Take for example Jim Ficken. In 2018, his mother died. When this happened, he left his home and yard unattended for a few weeks, where his grass continued to grow, exceeding the city of Dunedin, Florida’s policy of needing to keep grass less than ten inches tall. As such, he was fined $29,000, and because he was unable to pay the fines, the city tried to foreclose on his house.
While the idea of never mowing your grass may hold a certain allure, it’s important to recognize the potential drawbacks. A neglected lawn can quickly become a haven for weeds, pests, and legal troubles. Regular mowing not only keeps your grass healthy and aesthetically pleasing but also helps maintain a safe and enjoyable outdoor space for you and your family.
