Outrageous! Gardener threatened by neighbour in extreme outburst over lawn mowing
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Gardening is often a peaceful affair, a chance to commune with nature and enjoy the quiet satisfaction of nurturing green space. The therapeutic potential of gardening is even recognised by health professionals, who recommend it as a form of gentle exercise and relaxation for seniors.
Well, that's how it’s supposed to be, at least. But in reality, as one Sydney gardener discovered, it can become a source of unnecessary conflict and stress when neighbours decide to intervene in the most intrusive and unwelcome manner.
In a recent incident that has left fellow green thumbs shaking their heads in disbelief, Lush Cut Lawns operator Jason Selmes found himself at the receiving end of a disgruntled neighbour's wrath. The confrontation took place while Jason was busy tending to an overgrown lawn in a Blacktown home.
In a viral video that has attracted more than 1.8 million views since being uploaded to YouTube, the irate neighbour can be seen approaching Jason to complain about the noise from his lawnmower. Accusing the hardworking gardener of giving him a 'f****** headache,' the man demanded that Jason pack up and leave, despite the fact that there was still work to be done.
Jason patiently explained to the neighbour that he had only been working for two hours and would be there for a few more, highlighting that he was well within his rights to be mowing during the day. He pointed out the lack of help the homeowners had received from neighbours in maintaining their lawns, suggesting that if neighbours lent a hand or offered assistance, tensions could be avoided.
The quarrelsome neighbour, however, remained entirely unconcerned by Jason's argument, stating, 'Do you think I care about that?' He then proceeded to give Jason an ultimatum—stop within 15 minutes, or he'd call the police.
While it's uncertain whether the neighbour followed through with involving the authorities, it's important to acknowledge that Jason acted within his rights to continue working at 10 am on a Saturday. His professionalism and calm demeanour throughout the encounter have been widely praised.
Maintaining reasonable noise levels is crucial for harmonious living in neighbourhoods. In Australia, most states and territories have regulations in place regarding noise levels produced by gardening tools and equipment, including lawnmowers, trimmers, and blowers.
In New South Wales, the Noise Control Regulations 2007 specify that lawn mowing should be carried out at comfortable noise levels to avoid disturbing residential areas. According to the regulations, lawnmowers and other powered tools can be used between 8 am and 8 pm on Sundays and public holidays and from 7 am to 8 pm on all other days.
Different states and territories may have slightly varying requirements regarding the duration and permissible noise levels for lawn mowing. Some allow mowing at any time during weekends, while others restrict it to specific hours on weekdays. To ensure compliance and prevent any issues, it is advisable to familiarise oneself with the local regulations and adhere to them.
Understanding the regulations surrounding lawn mowing is crucial for both gardeners and lawn-care professionals, as well as residents living alongside neighbours. Each individual is responsible for managing their own noise levels, and a friendly reminder from a neighbour or local authority can help foster mutual respect and adherence to the law.
It's truly baffling that such altercations can arise over something as mundane as lawn mowing, a task that countless seniors perform daily without causing any tumult. The Seniors Discount Club advises our members experiencing similar situations to calmly and respectfully inform uncooperative neighbours of your rights and to politely encourage neighbourly goodwill and cooperation.
Happy gardening to all our green-thumbed members – and remember, 'to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.'
Well, that's how it’s supposed to be, at least. But in reality, as one Sydney gardener discovered, it can become a source of unnecessary conflict and stress when neighbours decide to intervene in the most intrusive and unwelcome manner.
Lush Cut Lawns operator, Jason Selmes, was clearing an overgrown garden when an unhappy neighbour voiced their discontent about the noise. Source: Lush Cut Lawns/YouTube.
In a recent incident that has left fellow green thumbs shaking their heads in disbelief, Lush Cut Lawns operator Jason Selmes found himself at the receiving end of a disgruntled neighbour's wrath. The confrontation took place while Jason was busy tending to an overgrown lawn in a Blacktown home.
In a viral video that has attracted more than 1.8 million views since being uploaded to YouTube, the irate neighbour can be seen approaching Jason to complain about the noise from his lawnmower. Accusing the hardworking gardener of giving him a 'f****** headache,' the man demanded that Jason pack up and leave, despite the fact that there was still work to be done.
Jason patiently explained to the neighbour that he had only been working for two hours and would be there for a few more, highlighting that he was well within his rights to be mowing during the day. He pointed out the lack of help the homeowners had received from neighbours in maintaining their lawns, suggesting that if neighbours lent a hand or offered assistance, tensions could be avoided.
The quarrelsome neighbour, however, remained entirely unconcerned by Jason's argument, stating, 'Do you think I care about that?' He then proceeded to give Jason an ultimatum—stop within 15 minutes, or he'd call the police.
Lawn-Mowing Regulations and Noise Restrictions in Australia
As ludicrous as it may sound, the man was threatening to involve the authorities over a simple act of daytime lawn mowing. Undeterred by the neighbour's hostility, Jason remained composed and confidently responded, ‘Go call the police then. I don't care.’ He rightly pointed out that lawn mowing during the day is not against the law.While it's uncertain whether the neighbour followed through with involving the authorities, it's important to acknowledge that Jason acted within his rights to continue working at 10 am on a Saturday. His professionalism and calm demeanour throughout the encounter have been widely praised.
Maintaining reasonable noise levels is crucial for harmonious living in neighbourhoods. In Australia, most states and territories have regulations in place regarding noise levels produced by gardening tools and equipment, including lawnmowers, trimmers, and blowers.
In New South Wales, the Noise Control Regulations 2007 specify that lawn mowing should be carried out at comfortable noise levels to avoid disturbing residential areas. According to the regulations, lawnmowers and other powered tools can be used between 8 am and 8 pm on Sundays and public holidays and from 7 am to 8 pm on all other days.
Different states and territories may have slightly varying requirements regarding the duration and permissible noise levels for lawn mowing. Some allow mowing at any time during weekends, while others restrict it to specific hours on weekdays. To ensure compliance and prevent any issues, it is advisable to familiarise oneself with the local regulations and adhere to them.
Understanding the regulations surrounding lawn mowing is crucial for both gardeners and lawn-care professionals, as well as residents living alongside neighbours. Each individual is responsible for managing their own noise levels, and a friendly reminder from a neighbour or local authority can help foster mutual respect and adherence to the law.
Happy gardening to all our green-thumbed members – and remember, 'to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.'
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