Mowing

Zoetermeer is a green city and we want to keep it that way, but it must also remain a safe city. This way the city is attractive for people and animals. In our mowing policy we take biodiversity and safety extensively into account.

Biodiversity

A city in which many different plants and animals live is healthy for humans. For example, plants and animals provide clean air, fresh water and pollination of plants that provide our food. In short, more biodiversity makes for a healthier city. To ensure that there is always enough food and living space for plants and animals, we mow more often in some places than others. We also conduct a flora and fauna scan before mowing. We check whether there are valuable animals or plants in an area and if so, we mow around them.

Roadsides and lawns

How often we mow depends on the area. So it may be that a lawn on one side of the park is mowed, but a berm on the other side of the park is not. 

Lawns, such as lawns and playing fields, are mowed regularly. Roadsides are deliberately allowed to go wild. We mow most roadsides only twice a year and we do this in phases. This means that not everywhere is mowed at the same time. In this way we try to achieve the longest possible flowering period. In addition, we also skip certain parts that remain all summer. In this way, seeds form that ensure that the flowers continue to bloom the following year. This gives native plants and flowers more room to grow and animals, such as insects, more room to live. 

Not mowing is not an option

If we did not mow, the roadside would become more overgrown. This means that then only grasses can grow and native plants such as the wild orchid will disappear. This is something we want to prevent. In addition, by mowing we create a second round of flowering. Places that have been mowed one phase are flowering again after about six weeks. It may seem as if nature disappears by mowing, but this is not the case. By mowing and not doing it everywhere at once, we provide a longer flowering period and longer food and shelter for animals and insects. 

Safety

We also take safety into account. In places where tall grass deteriorates traffic visibility, we mow more often. We also call these spots sight corners at intersections, traffic circles and crosswalks, for example. Mowing more often at sight corners is important for safety and is not a problem for nature. Because less mowing takes place in other places, there remains enough habitat for animals.

When and how often is mowing done?

When we mow depends on the season, weather and the needs of different places in town. The Annual Maintenance Program shows you when to expect mowing.

Grass Ears

A grass cataract can easily get into your pet's fur, nose, ears, eyes and toes and crawl into the body. This can cause painful symptoms. The municipality cannot stop the growth of grass ears, but we do take measures to reduce them. Next to walkways that lie along tall grass, we mow, a strip one meter wide, more often and shorter than in other places. This reduces the chance of grass ears. The mowers we use here pulverize the grass, so grass ears cause less nuisance. Thus, the clippings do not have to be disposed of.

What can you do about grass ears?

  • Take care when your pet walks through grass.
  • Keep your pet on a leash.
  • Check your pet if it has been outside.
  • Is a grass ear visible? If so, remove it with tweezers or see your veterinarian.

Want to know more?

Do you have a question about our mowing policy? Then check out answers to the most frequently asked questions below. Is your question not listed? Then please contact us. You can file a report via Notification of living environment (public space).

Why don't you mow all at once?

If we do this, we take away the habitat of many animals at once. This will eventually cause the number of plants, flowers and animals in Zoetermeer to become much less and that is bad for the city and its inhabitants. Therefore, mowing everywhere at the same time is not an option and we mow in phases.

Is mowing really necessary? You can let nature take its course, right?

Yes, mowing is really necessary. By mowing we give space to many different kinds of plants. If we do not mow, these species cannot grow and eventually only grass remains. Mowing reduces the amount of nutrients in the soil. This makes the soil less fertile and this stimulates the growth of wild plants. So by mowing, we are actually helping nature.

Doesn't tall grass lead to unsafe situations?

In areas where visibility is important, extra mowing is done to keep the grass low. This is the case, for example, at intersections, traffic circles and crosswalks. Along bicycle and walking paths, usually only the strip of grass right next to them is mowed, the so-called "meter strips. This way you can enjoy cycling and walking and there is also space for nature.

How do you consider animals and insects during mowing?

Before mowing tall rough grass, we do a so-called flora and fauna scan: we thoroughly inspect the grass for protected plants and animals. If they are present, we skip the spot. In addition, we mow in sections. This gives insects room to move to other strips where there are still plenty of flowers.

Why do you mow while there are still flowers?

We often mow at the beginning of summer. At that time, most of the spring flowers have bloomed out. By mowing at precisely this time, we give summer flowers a chance and get a second round of blooms. This allows people and animals to enjoy the flowers longer.

Why was there no cleanup after mowing?

We do this intentionally. By leaving the cut grass for several days, (flower) seed can be left behind. This gives grass, herbs and flowers another chance to grow. By clearing the grass clippings only after a few days, we contribute to the biodiversity of the city.