Per day of operation of robotic lawnmowers on Baldeneysee and Ruhr

For many people, their own garden is considered a place of retreat and a green oasis – especially in densely populated areas like the Ruhr metropolis and the southern part of Essen. Baldeneysee and the Ruhr River. At the same time, it is an important habitat for numerous beneficial and wild animals. However, the increasing use of robotic lawnmowers poses significant risks – especially for hedgehogs, amphibians, and other small animals. The city of Essen is therefore appealing to all garden owners around Baldeneysee and the Ruhr River, as well as in the rest of the city.

With the growing popularity of robotic lawnmowers, the number of injured or killed small animals is also increasing. Hedgehogs are particularly affected, including the European hedgehog, an increasingly rare species. Hedgehogs are primarily active at dusk and at night, when many robotic lawnmowers start automatically. If an animal is surprised, it reacts instinctively: it curls up and freezes – a behavior that can have fatal consequences in the face of rotating blades. Hedgehogs are important and beneficial helpers in the garden. They act as pest controllers, devouring slugs, caterpillars, martens, and beetles that can damage plants. Toads and other amphibians are also frequently endangered, as they cannot get out of the way of the mowers quickly enough.

To protect animals, robotic lawnmowers may only be operated during the day. The following time windows serve as a guideline:

Most devices have programmable timer functions, making it easy to set these parameters. With minimal effort, garden owners can thus make an important contribution to species conservation.

Many municipalities have already issued general decrees to protect wildlife. The city of Essen, however, is focusing more on public education – but clearly points out the applicable legal situation. Sonja Eisenmann, head of the environmental office, emphasizes: „Species protection under the Federal Nature Conservation Act applies to every citizen – even without a specific general decree. Wild animals may not be captured, injured, or killed. Robotic lawnmowers that operate at night or at dusk significantly increase the risk of killing them. This is prohibited by law and can be punished as an administrative offense or even a criminal act.“

Besides protecting wildlife, operating a robotic lawnmower during the day offers further advantages: Modern robotic lawnmowers are very quiet and don't disturb the peace during the day. It's always advisable to buy a slightly oversized model, as this means they won't need to mow the lawn all day. The mowing process can be interrupted at any time if the garden is being used. Many homeowners who previously had to mow the lawn themselves enjoy watching the robotic mower at work, which naturally occurs during daylight hours. Therefore, daytime operation is not only more animal-friendly but also practical for everyday life.