Zagreb's Yellow Lawns: Residents Question Mowing Amidst Heatwave, Officials Cite Fire Risk

Zagreb residents are puzzled by the sight of lawnmowers working on yellow, dry grass, especially during heatwaves. Many question the purpose, with comments like "What are they mowing? Dust?" and "Isn't this the time to leave the grass alone?" The logic seems counterintuitive: why cut grass that appears parched and dormant? However, the practice has a rationale rooted in fire prevention. Transport Victoria states that mowing after the grass has dried helps reduce fire risk during warmer months. They explain that mowing too early, while the grass is actively growing, can stimulate new growth, requiring crews to return to the same areas during peak fire danger periods. Experts note that yellow grass isn't necessarily dead. During prolonged heat and drought, lawns can enter a dormant state. The above-ground parts may lose their green color, but the plant itself can survive. Scientists recommend delaying mowing until moisture returns, warning that the stress of mowing and heavy equipment can cause permanent damage to drought-stricken lawns. When mowing is necessary, it's advised to keep the grass relatively high, around 7.5 to 10 centimeters. This longer grass has a larger surface area for photosynthesis and encourages deeper root development. A common rule is not to remove more than one-third of the blade in a single mowing. Therefore, if a mower is cutting already short grass even shorter during a heatwave, the public's questions about the necessity of such work are valid. Low mowing is not a remedy for drought; in fact, higher mowing can help lawns better withstand heat and lack of water. However, urban green spaces are not always simple lawns. Sometimes they are areas along roads, intersections, or sidewalks. In these cases, mowing might be necessary for weed control or to maintain visibility and access, even if the grass appears dry. The decision to mow is complex, balancing aesthetic concerns, plant health, and practical safety requirements.