
Photo | Graphic: Carl de Canedido
Actively support species conservation in gardens
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.
Why robotic lawnmowers are dangerous
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.
Simple protective measures save lives
To protect animals, robotic lawnmowers may only be operated during the day. The following time windows serve as a guideline:
| Recommended operating times for robotic lawnmowers | ||
|---|---|---|
| Earliest start of operations | 30 minutes after sunrise | |
| Latest operational shutdown | 30 minutes before sunset | |
All statements without guarantee.
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.
Wild animals are protected by law.
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.“
Practical reasons for daytime operation
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.







