Lawn Mowers, Pressure Washers, and Gardening: What You Can Do on Public Holidays

With the return of warmer days, many people feel like gardening, mowing the lawn, or cleaning the patio. But before taking out the lawn mower or the pressure washer, it’s important to know the regulations: public holidays and Sundays are not necessarily synonymous with noise freedom!

Let’s take a closer look at lawn-mowing hours, garden work, and grass seeding.

Allowed Mower Hours on Public Holidays

This question comes up every year: can you use the lawn mower on a public holiday? The answer depends… on your municipality.

In France, noise from domestic activities (lawn mowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, drills, etc.) is regulated by Article R1336-5 of the Public Health Code. Each town hall then sets, by municipal decree, the authorized hours for noisy work.

In general, the most common time slots are:

• Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• Sunday and public holidays: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. only

In other words, using the lawn mower on a public holiday is often tolerated in the morning, but never in the afternoon. Some municipalities, particularly in large cities like Strasbourg, Mulhouse, or Colmar, completely prohibit mowing on these days.

Before mowing, check the permitted hours with your town hall: a simple search on the municipal website can help you avoid a fine and maintain good relations with your neighbors.

Hours for Other Garden Work

Garden work (trimming, leaf blowers, brushcutters, outdoor drills, etc.) follows the same rules as lawn mowing. These devices are considered noisy and are therefore subject to the same time restrictions.

This means:

• You can trim a hedge or do outdoor DIY on Saturday afternoon, but not on Sunday afternoon.

• Public holidays should be treated like Sundays: keep noise levels low.

A good practice is to schedule noisy work during the week and prioritize quieter activities (weeding, planting, watering) on Sundays and public holidays.

Can You Use a Pressure Washer on Sundays?

Another common question: can you use a pressure washer on Sundays? Although a high-pressure cleaner is less noisy than a gas-powered lawn mower, it also falls into the category of “motorized gardening tools.” It is therefore subject to the same time restrictions.

This means it is allowed on Sunday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., but prohibited in the afternoon in most municipalities.

If you want to clean your terrace, paving stones, or car, do it on Saturday afternoon or during the week to avoid any neighborly conflict.

Eco Tip: Prefer a low-pressure pressure washer or clean with a brush and rainwater. It’s quiet, environmentally friendly, and often sufficient.

When to Sow Grass? The Best Periods According to the Weather

While some are taking out the lawn mower, others are preparing the future green carpet. Knowing when to sow grass is essential for a dense and resilient lawn.

The best time to sow grass depends on the climate:

• In spring (March to May): temperatures rise, and the soil is moist, perfect for germination.Drawback: weeds grow quickly, so plan for pre-weeding.

• In autumn (mid-August to October): this is the ideal period in Alsace and most of France. The soil remains warm, frequent rain helps grass sprout, and weeds are less prevalent.

Tip: avoid sowing in summer (soil too dry) and in winter (cold prevents germination).

Before sowing, prepare the soil well:

• Dig or scarify,

• Remove stones,

• Level the soil,

• Then sow evenly and water gently.

Noise, Ecology, and Common Sense: The Three Golden Rules of the Modern Gardener

Maintaining a garden is no longer just about cleanliness; it also involves respecting noise and the environment. Some simple actions combine efficiency and peace:

• Choose quiet tools. Electric, robotic, or manual mowers are much quieter than gas-powered ones.

• Maintain your equipment. A sharp blade or properly tuned motor produces less noise.

• Respect your neighbors. (Consider neighbors, such as children sleeping, etc.)

According to Isabelle from the blog Ma Maison et Nous:"Indeed, a garden is also meant for listening to birdsong! There’s nothing worse than noise on a day of rest! Be respectful of your neighbors… Living in a neighborhood, in a residential area, means respecting those around you! At a time when neighbor conflicts sometimes arise over trivial matters, stay peaceful!"

In Summary: Lawnmowers, Pressure Washers, Grass, and Public Holidays

In short:

• Lawn mowing on a public holiday: allowed only between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., sometimes prohibited depending on the municipality.

• Noisy garden work: same rules as the lawn mower.

• Pressure washer on Sunday: allowed from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., avoid the afternoon.

• Grass sowing: in spring or autumn, depending on the weather.

Learn More with Ma Maison et Nous

Find our video reports on responsible gardening, eco-friendly mowing, and watering solutions on our YouTube channel. Follow our advice on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok to make your garden a harmonious, respectful, and green space all year round.

In 2026, Alexis from Modenheim, a happy garden owner, will become the blog’s expert on garden maintenance (planting, shrubs, and care for exotic plants such as lemon trees, kiwis, banana trees, etc.) — a hands-on experience from a green-thumb enthusiast!

Remember: a beautiful garden is above all a peaceful living space — not a race against noise..

IMPORTANT : This article was originally published on the blogzine "Ma maison et nous". We are sharing it here in full. You can read the original version by clicking on this link.