The lawn is freshly cut, the air is sweet with the scent of grass, but then you see it – a rogue dog poop nestled amidst the freshly mown blades. You think, maybe the mower will just take care of it. After all, it’s designed to pick up grass clippings, right? But is a lawn mower really equipped to handle the task of cleaning up after your furry friend? This article delves into the world of lawnmowers and dog poop, exploring the potential outcomes of a mower encountering a pile of doggie doo-doo. We’ll investigate the various types of mowers and their likelihood of picking up poop, examine the potential hazards involved, and offer practical advice for keeping your lawn clean and your mower poop-free.
The Short Answer
In most cases, a lawn mower will not pick up dog poop. While some types of mowers, particularly those with mulching capabilities, might partially break it down, it’s unlikely they will completely eliminate the mess.
The Mechanics of Mowing and Dog Poop
The most common type of lawnmower, the rotary mower, relies on a spinning blade to cut grass. While the force of the blade can create a whirlwind of grass clippings, the design is not geared towards picking up large, solid objects like dog poop.
Why Most Mowers Won’t Pick Up Dog Poop
- Size and Shape: Dog poop is often too large and irregularly shaped to be effectively lifted by the airflow created by the mower blade. It’s more likely to be pushed around, spread, or even scattered by the rotating blades.
- Material: Dog poop is dense and compact. The mower’s airflow may not be powerful enough to lift and transport the poop into the collection bag.
- Mower Design: Most mowers are designed to handle grass clippings, which are light and easily moved. Dog poop, on the other hand, requires more force and a different kind of suction.
Mulching Mowers: A Potential Exception
Mulching mowers are designed to chop grass clippings into very fine pieces, which are then deposited back onto the lawn as fertilizer. These mowers often have a more powerful airflow, which might be able to break down a smaller, softer piece of poop. However, it’s still unlikely to fully eliminate the mess.
Potential Hazards
While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, running a lawn mower over dog poop can present some potential hazards:
1. Mower Damage
Running a mower over a large, hard piece of poop can cause damage to the mower’s blades, deck, and other parts. The impact can be forceful enough to bend or even break blades, or even clog the mower’s chute.
2. Spread of Disease
Dog poop can contain bacteria and parasites that can be harmful to humans and other animals. Running a mower over it can spread these pathogens further, contaminating the lawn and potentially posing a health risk.
3. Unpleasant Odor
Even if the poop is partially broken down, it may still leave a lingering unpleasant odor.
Best Practices for Keeping Your Lawn Dog Poop-Free
Avoiding a messy encounter with dog poop during mowing is a matter of good planning and preventative measures:
- Scoop it Up: The best way to avoid problems is to simply pick up the poop before you mow. Invest in a good poop scoop and make it a regular part of your lawn care routine.
- Train Your Dog: Teach your dog to go to a designated area for bathroom breaks, making it easier to keep the rest of the lawn clean.
- Use a Poop Scooper Attachment: Some mowers offer specialized poop scooper attachments that can help remove poop while you mow.
- Clean Thoroughly: After mowing, even if you haven’t encountered any poop, it’s important to clean your mower’s deck and blade to prevent any lingering debris from causing problems.
Conclusion
While the idea of a lawnmower taking care of dog poop might sound appealing, the reality is that most mowers are simply not equipped for the task. Running a mower over dog poop can lead to potential hazards and may not even fully eliminate the mess. The most effective approach is to scoop up the poop before you mow, and to practice good lawn care habits to keep your lawn clean and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a lawnmower pick up dog poop?
A: It’s not a good idea to rely on a lawnmower to pick up dog poop. While a rotary mower with a mulching blade can chop up the poop, it won’t completely eliminate it. The small pieces will remain scattered in the grass, and the smell will linger. Additionally, the blades can spread bacteria and parasites from the poop, contaminating your lawn.
Q: Is it safe to use a lawnmower on dog poop?
A: It’s not recommended to use a lawnmower on dog poop. The blades can become clogged with poop, which can damage the mower and make it difficult to operate. It’s also not hygienic, as the blades could be contaminated with bacteria and parasites from the poop.
Q: What happens when you run over dog poop with a lawnmower?
A: When you run over dog poop with a lawnmower, it gets chopped up and spread across your lawn. The small pieces can be difficult to see and remove, and they can attract flies and other pests. The smell of the poop can also remain in your grass for a while.
Q: What are the health risks of leaving dog poop in the grass?
A: Leaving dog poop in the grass can pose health risks for your family, pets, and the environment. The poop can contain bacteria and parasites that can cause illness, especially in children and pets who play in the grass. It can also pollute water sources when rain washes it away.
Q: What is the best way to pick up dog poop?
A: The best way to pick up dog poop is with a plastic bag or scoop. This allows you to dispose of the poop in a sanitary and environmentally friendly manner. If you use a bag, be sure to seal it tightly before throwing it away.
Q: Can I use a leaf blower to pick up dog poop?
A: While a leaf blower can be used to move dog poop, it’s not the most effective method. The poop will likely be scattered around instead of being picked up. It’s also not a hygienic method, as the blower could spread bacteria and parasites from the poop.
Q: What should I do if my lawnmower hits dog poop?
A: If your lawnmower hits dog poop, the best thing to do is to stop the mower immediately. Clean the blades with a brush and dispose of the poop properly. You should also disinfect the blades with a bleach solution to prevent the spread of bacteria.