When is my child old enough to mow the lawn?

Before learning how to mow the lawn, your child should show the maturity, good judgment, strength, and coordination required. In general, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children should be at least

• 12 years of age to operate a walk-behind power mower or hand mower safely

• 16 years of age to operate a riding lawn mower safely

It is essential to teach your child how to use a lawn mower. Before you allow your child to mow the lawn alone, spend time showing them how to do the job safely. Supervise your child’s work until you are sure they can manage the task independently.

Before mowing the lawn:

• Ensure that children are indoors or at a safe distance, well away from the area you plan to mow.
• Read the lawn mower operator’s manual and the instructions on the mower.
• Check conditions:
  • Do not mow during bad weather, such as during a thunderstorm.
  • Do not mow wet grass.
  • Do not mow without enough daylight.
• Clear the mowing area of any objects, such as twigs, stones, and toys, that could be picked up and thrown by the lawn mower blades.
• Ensure that protective guards, shields, the grass catcher, and other safety equipment are correctly placed on the lawn mower and that your mower is in good condition.
• If your lawn mower is electric, use a ground fault circuit interrupter to prevent electric shock.
• Never allow children to ride as passengers on ride-on lawn mowers or garden tractors.

While mowing:

• Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes with slip-proof soles, close-fitting clothes, safety goggles or glasses with side shields, and hearing protection.
• Watch for objects that could be picked up and thrown by the mower blades and hidden dangers. Tall grass can hide things, holes, or bumps. Use caution when approaching corners, trees, or anything that might block your view.
• If the mower strikes an object, stop, turn the mower off, and inspect the mower. If it is damaged, do not use it until repaired.
• Do not pull the mower backward or mow in reverse unless necessary, and carefully look for children behind you when you mow in reverse.
• Use extra caution when mowing a slope.
  • When a walk-behind mower is used, mow across the face of slopes, not up and down, to avoid slipping under the mower and into the blades.
  • With a riding mower, mow up and down slopes, not across, to avoid tipping over.
• Keep in mind that lawn trimmers also can throw objects at high speed.
• Remain aware of where children are and do not allow them near the area where you are working. Children tend to be attracted to mowers in use.

Stop the engine and allow it to cool before refueling.

Always turn off the mower and wait for the blades to stop completely before:

• Crossing gravel paths, roads, or other areas
• Removing the grass catcher
• Unclogging the discharge chute
• Walking away from the mower