Mowing with Sheep: A Sustainable Lawn Care Alternative

When my mower broke, I fenced the yard and brought in sheep. The result: a perfectly uniform, neat cut—every stem nibbled to the same length. Electric netting allowed rotational grazing around flower beds. Neighbors were amused, but I was hooked.

Benefits

• Multi-tool lawn care: Sheep mow, aerate with hooves, and fertilize with manure/urine.
• Zero fossil fuels: No gas, oil changes, or emissions.
• Edible byproduct: Lamb for the grill—President Wilson did it.

Drawbacks & Considerations

• Pets: Dogs may chase sheep, eat droppings, or get shocked by electric fence.
• Fencing: Net fence doesn't deter predators like perimeter fencing. Supervise near roads; test fence charge before each use.
• Chemicals: Pesticides/herbicides harm sheep. Go organic or exclude treated areas.
• Zoning: Check local regulations before starting; neighbors may complain.

How to Mow with Sheep

You need: electric net fence + charger, several sheep, water supply. Intensive rotational grazing works best. For a half-acre, four sheep and two 100-ft fences took several days. Start small, gauge timing, then scale. Move sheep in sections to avoid patchy "Google Earth" patterns. Lawn alone may not meet nutritional needs—plan rotations with pasture access.

Verdict

If you have sheep (or access), fencing, and tolerance for dog-poop-eating and zoning checks, sheep mowing saves time, money, and fossil fuels—while delivering lamb chops. Try it this summer.