With Missourians stuck in what feels like a never-ending heat wave, there never seems to be a good time to mow the lawn.
While none of us want to have an overgrown lawn, spending extended periods outdoors during the day can be brutal, especially during a summer when temperatures have consistently climbed well above 90 degrees. So it makes sense that you would want to mow either early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are usually at their coolest.
But is it legal to do so during those cooler hours, especially when lawn mowers, leaf blowers and other landscaping tools can be disruptive to neighbors?
Here's what to know.
When can you mow the lawn in Missouri?
Missouri has no laws that specifically define what counts as "too early" or "too late" to mow the lawn. Instead,
local noise ordinances and city codes typically determine when loud noises — such as the sound of a roaring lawn mower's engine — are allowed.
For example, Springfield enforces quiet hours and general noise restrictions on private residential property between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Meanwhile, Columbia's noise ordinance is more comprehensive, setting different restrictions based on the day of the week as well as how far the noise can be heard.
In St. Louis, residents may operate lawn care equipment from 7 a.m. until sunset, while in Kansas City, any noise exceeding 55 dB(A) between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. is considered a noise disturbance.
Also, keep in mind that homeowners associations may have stricter rules than city ordinances, depending on the neighborhood.
What is the penalty for mowing your lawn too early/late?
In general, violating local noise ordinances may result in a warning from law enforcement if someone files a complaint. However, repeat offenders could face municipal fines or other penalties for disturbing the peace.
You can direct all noise complaints to your city's non-emergency police phone line.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: How early or late can you mow your lawn in Missouri? What to know
