The mowing season will soon begin in Vilnius. One of the main innovations is higher lawns in places where people spend their free time, do sports, as well as in the courtyards of apartment buildings. Here, the lawn will now be maintained at a height of 7–12 cm, 2 centimeters higher than last year. The mowing season will begin when the grass reaches a height of 12 cm. Depending on the weather, this may happen at the end of April or in the first weeks of May.
In the Old Town areas, mowing will begin earlier – when the lawn reaches a height of 7 cm. This level will be maintained throughout the season, and mowing or "shaved" lawns will be strictly avoided.
This year, due to the recorded outbreaks of invasive plants, natural regrowth zones on the slopes along the main streets have been eliminated. From now on, these areas will be mowed 1-3 times per season, using the highest cutting unit available for mowing equipment. It is expected that over a period of several years, once the spread of invasive species has been controlled, it will be possible to return these areas to a natural state.
"Taking into account the insights of scientists, the accumulated experience of several seasons, and constantly changing climatic conditions, we adjust the mowing methods applied accordingly. For example, after the disappearance of invasive species, we allow the territories to regenerate naturally. It is important to note that residents have the opportunity to foster areas of natural regeneration near their homes by mutual agreement. You can also submit proposals for other city territories by contacting your eldership," he says. Vilnius city municipalities Head of the City Environment Department Gintautas Runovičius.
More than 5000 ha of mowing area
As in previous years, all common areas maintained by the city are divided into three mowing regimes, and their total area is 5189 hectares.
Short lawns (7–12 cm) are maintained in parks, squares, apartment building courtyards, sports fields, and street medians. This type of lawn covers 3946 ha.
Meadows located on the slopes of main streets, on the banks of the Neris River, in undeveloped areas and in areas selected according to special criteria are mowed 1–3 times a year. The area of meadows in the city reaches 1196 ha.
Natural regeneration areas, which are not mowed and are intended for natural biotope formation, occupy 47 hectares in the city this year. These areas are closely monitored - if foci of invasive species are noticed, mowing also begins in them.
In Vilnius, areas are mowed using tractors, microwave-controlled self-propelled lawn mowers, and electric trimmers, and the main transport rings will be mowed using autonomous solar-powered lawn mowers for the second year in a row.
Haymaking work in the city is carried out by "Beam", "Ekonovus", "Šileja", "Ecoservice" and "Stebulė".
No mowing during drought
It is important to note that mowing will not be carried out during periods of drought. If the weather is particularly dry, the grass will not be cut to prevent the soil and vegetation from drying out. This practice helps reduce dust, heat buildup, and maintains a natural microclimate in the city.
Meadows in the city perform a very important ecological function. According to landscape architect Vaiva Marozienė, they help retain rainwater, cool the environment, purify the air, reduce the risk of erosion, and enhance biodiversity. Regular but gentle mowing is necessary for the formation of meadows.
