Lawn And Order

When most NZ house sitters think of house sitting, they probably imagine feeding a few pets, collecting the mail, keeping the house clean and tidy, watering a few pot plants, or walking the dog. But there’s another important aspect that sometimes gets forgotten – keeping the lawns mowed and the section tidy.

It won’t matter too much, or often not at all, if your sit is a brief one of only 2-3 days. But on longer assignments, outdoor maintenance is just as important as keeping the inside of the house orderly. In fact, during extended sits it’s essential. Here’s why mowing the lawns should always be on your to-do list — and how it can also help you stand out as an in-demand house sitter.

1. It Keeps The Property Looking Lived In

An unkempt lawn is a dead giveaway that nobody’s home. Overgrown grass, messy gardens, and weeds can make a house look abandoned — exactly the kind of attention you don’t want to attract, especially from the local villains. Regular mowing helps maintain that ‘lived-in’ appearance for the property and it acts as an extra layer of security. Passersby and neighbours are far less likely to notice anything unusual when the grounds look neat, tidy, and well cared for.

2. It Helps Avoid Bigger Problems Later

Letting the grass grow too long isn’t just unsightly — it can cause damage to the lawn itself. Overgrown grass becomes harder to mow, risks damaging the mower, and can leave the lawn patchy or scalped when it is finally cut. Long grass also invites weeds, pests, and even rodents – and in tinder dry conditions in the summer months long grass can even present a fire risk. Before you know it, that once-tidy section turns into a mini jungle. A neatly trimmed lawn also makes it easier to locate and clean up dog doo-doo. Routine mowing keeps the section healthy, manageable, and a pleasure to behold.

3. It Shows Respect For The Homeowner’s Property

Let’s face it — many homeowners take great pride in their lawns and gardens. If they come home to find the grass knee-high and weeds running wild, it isn’t going to leave a very good impression. And remember, the front lawn and garden will be the very first thing the homeowners see when they return from their time away. A tidy, well-maintained section sets the right tone for their homecoming — welcoming, cared-for, and just as they left it. There’s no better way to reassure them that their home was in good hands. As a house sitter, your job is to care for the property as if it were your own. Keeping the lawns mowed and the section tidy shows respect for the owner’s space and prevents them from returning to a stressful mess or costly maintenance issues.

Mowing Lawns Is Just Part Of Being A Good House Sitter

It’s worth acknowledging that some house sitters simply don’t like mowing lawns, and a few will actively refuse to consider it altogether, even paid sitters. Everyone has their preferences, but the reality is that lawn care is a basic part of any responsible house sit. It’s a standard chore that sits right up there with vacuuming floors, cleaning bathrooms, and keeping the kitchen tidy.

The difference is that professionally-minded sitters (whether they be paid or unpaid) understand the importance of caring for the whole property, inside and out. They know that mowing the lawns, when needed, is part of doing the job properly. And the rewards for that attitude?

• Happy homeowners
• Glowing references
• Repeat bookings
• Word-of-mouth referrals that lead to brand new sits

On most sits doing the lawns will only take up to an hour or so every seven to ten days, depending on the rate of grass growth. I mean, it’s not exactly grueling. And it gets you outside in the fresh air and sunshine, and it offers a bit of exercise if you’re using a push mower.

If you’re serious about house sitting, particularly if you plan to make it a full-time thing, then embracing the task of mowing the lawns will help to set you apart in a competitive field.

What About Large Sections?

Some sits may involve large properties with extensive lawns. Don’t be afraid to clarify expectations before the sit begins. Ask if you will you be expected to mow the entire section or just certain areas.

If the section is overwhelming or outside your capability, be upfront and honest. Many homeowners are happy to adjust expectations or arrange some help.

Also keep in mind, that when it comes to these larger sections, the lawns don’t all have to be done in the same day. You can make things easier for yourself by spreading the job out over two, or even three, days. Just do a certain area each day.

When Mowing May Not Be Required

While lawn care should generally be expected, there are a few situations where a house sitter may not need to mow the lawns, including:

• If the house sit is only for 2-3 days and the grass is already short and not growing much. In this case there should be no pressing need to mow.
• Some homeowners hire lawn mowing contractors who come on a regular basis, so the house sitter will not need to step in.
• The homeowner has a robot mower to do the lawns. I’ve been lucky enough to have come across a few of these.
• The lawn (or an area of the lawn) is particularly steep and the homeowner advises the sitter that it may be best to avoid these areas if they’re uncomfortable in doing them. Or these areas may be usually done with a weed-whacker (aka brush-cutter or line-trimmer).
• The mower (especially if it’s a ride-on) is new or complex, and the homeowner does not want to risk any damage to it from improper use.
• The homeowner may have recently reseeded the lawn, and it needs time to establish before being mowed.
• If the lawn is covered with snow.
• If there has been a lot of rain (or melting snow) and the ground is sopping wet and liable to turn to mud with mowers running over it, especially the heavier ride-ons.
• If the property is an apartment or unit with no lawn at all, the task naturally doesn’t apply.

Final Words

House sitting is about more than just minding the pets or enjoying a change of scenery — it’s about caring for someone’s home and property as if it were your own, and that includes the looking after lawns.

Mowing the grass is a fundamental chore — just like running the vacuum or keeping the bathroom clean — and it should really be treated as such. It’s a relatively small effort that can make a huge difference, both to the homeowner’s peace of mind and to your reputation as a house sitter.

The sitters who embrace this mindset are the ones who truly stand out. They’re the ones who homeowners rave about, who get the great reviews, and who score the repeat assignments and brand new opportunities. And often, it all starts with something as simple as keeping the lawn looking its best.