Mowing verges and grasslands
The municipality mows flowering roadsides and grasslands in the summer for even more color and life. We mow to keep the vegetation in places from becoming too wild. Sometimes the sheep help. We control exotic weeds such as Japanese knotweed. Mowing in different ways at the right times creates areas with many different flowers and plants. These give the city color, but also attract butterflies and bees. And all those insects, in turn, are good for birds and bats.
Sheep herds keep the grass short
Instead of lawnmowers, the municipality of Heerlen is using sheep to keep the grass short in verges and green areas in the city. Nature-friendly and quiet. You can encounter them from April in many places in the city, for example in the Heidserpark, Zeswegen or the Aambos.
Did you know that in green spaces kept short by sheep, more flowers bloom? That's because sheep selectively graze. The seeds have more chance to germinate.
The flocks with their shepherd and sheepdog add rural charm to our town and they also make less noise than a reaper. The sheep are all healthy and vaccinated against Q fever. To be on the safe side, we recommend that people with reduced immunity not touch the sheep.
Mowing moments
Does Heerlen mow in different ways?
Heerlen has plenty of green spaces: roadsides, parks, and nature reserves. Plants, flowers, and herbs grow here. These areas are important for bees, butterflies, birds, and other animals.
The municipality doesn't mow every area the same way. We assess what's needed on a case-by-case basis. A playground requires different maintenance than a flower-filled roadside.
Mowing helps nature
Mowing might seem bad for nature. But mowing properly actually helps. If you don’t mow often enough, grasses will take over. Flowers will then no longer get any light or space.
By mowing at the right time, herbs can bloom. They produce seeds and spread. This gives us a greater variety of plants—and more food for insects and birds.
When should we mow?
The schedule changes every year. It depends on the weather and how the plants are growing. We also take road safety into account. The mowing schedule:
Mid-May
We mow strips along roads and paths. This is for traffic safety. Intersections and curves must remain clear.
June and July
The first major mowing of roadside verges and green areas. By then, many herbs have already bloomed and set seed.
September and October
The second major mowing. This helps keep roadside verges from becoming overgrown over the winter. The herbs will have more room to grow again next year.
Every place is different
We mow here more often.
- Playgrounds
- Lawns
- Dog walking areas
- Narrow strips along paths
- Places where good visibility is required
We mow other areas less frequently. This gives the flowers more time to grow and produce seeds. An ecologist first marks special plants on Map. We skip these areas when mowing.
Variety is important
Mowing temporarily removes food sources and hiding places for animals. That is why we ensure variety. Different heights and flowering times make the green spaces more attractive to animals.
Heerlen is working to add more color and variety. We want to promote greater biodiversity in the city.
Report of exotic weedy plants
Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed are exotic weedy plants. Due to their rapid growth, the plants cause a lot of nuisance. The municipality tries to control the exotic plants as much as possible. Reports of locations of these plants can help us.
Japanese knotweed
Japanese knotweed displaces existing plants, can grow through cracks in foundations and break through asphalt. The plant is difficult to control because of its long and deep roots. Each piece of knotweed can grow back into a full-sized plant.
The giant hogweed
The giant hogweed is poisonous and causes burns when touched. The municipality therefore controls the plant in places where people can come into contact with it, such as along paths and at playgrounds. Control of the plant runs over several years.
Both plants are difficult to control. If you want to control giant hogweed yourself, use protective clothing. Also protect your eyes.
These locations are already known to the community:
More information on these plants can be found on the Knowledge Network invasive exotics website and the Probos Foundation website.