Mowing Lawn
How does one mow lawn with asthma?
HI.
That is a great question, as it is something that many of us asthmatics have to deal with. And welcome to the community. I see you just joined a few hours ago. As you can see by this article that I wrote a few years ago (https://asthma.net/living/mowing-grass-allergy) this is a topic that I myself have contemplated -- as cutting the grass is a trigger of mine. Although, somehow, as long as my asthma is well controlled, I seem to be able to tolerate it. Although, there are times that my asthma is not well controlled, and during those times I have three choices: 1) wear an n-95 mask if you can tolerate it, 2) have someone else cut the grass (such as a neighborhood kid), or 3) just let the grass grow and deal the consequences. I have done all 3 a time or two. Although, thankfully, that last time I resorted to #3 I had a very good friend volunteer to cut it for me. Tell me more about your situation if you don't mind. Is cutting grass one of your triggers? Are you unable to do it? John. asthma.net community moderator. My asthma is varied, worse this year than most. I want to mow the lawn to help my wife, Claire.
The thing is we are particular about our emissions. We have a battery lawn mower, we have two EVs and 57 solar panels. We can hire someone, like most of our neighbors do, but those contractors have noisy stinky gas powered mowers and blowers. Some may put toxins on the lawn and soil, and those may end up in our nearby stream where they are not supposed to be. (We have a pesticide free yard ) I could try to find a pesticide free lawn contractor.
I also have hay fever.
Looking for options in Westwood, Massachusetts.
I hear you, CM8401314 - it's understandable you are doing everything you can to protect the environment. To me, it sounds like you are all ready to take care of the lawn with the electric powered lawn mower you own. As my good colleague, , suggested, above, perhaps you would want to wear a mask when you go out there to cut the grass.
Do you think that would help you?
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)
I don't know. I don't know how big asthma inducing pollen grains are in size compared to 75 caliber mask pores.
Companies won't do this. They erroneously seem to believe their devices are faster. Also this does not get around their choice to use pesticides, which we very much don't want. Thanks, John - for providing the information and the link! Thanks, too, to , for sharing that companies will only use their own machines, and reminding us about pesticide applications as well.
What are you thinking of doing next, CM8401314?
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)
I have a lawn service that weekly keeps the lawn mowed and in the winter they keep the driveway plowed. I figure based on my hourly wage, it is reasonable to pay to have the lawn mowed because it frees up time, limits my pollen exposure and I am allergic to stinging insects so I don’t have that added risk. Cold air is another asthma trigger for me so having the driveway plowed is very helpful. You can look at various services and get quotes and most likely find one that is affordable. Also check with college students who might want to earn some money during the summer too.
