Petrol vs Battery Mowers: Which Is Better for You and the Planet?

Keeping your lawnmower in good condition isn’t just about clean lines and crisp edges—it’s about safety, long-term performance, and doing right by your garden and the environment. Whether you rely on a petrol mower or you’ve switched to battery power, both machines need maintenance to stay in top form.

At Earthly Comforts, we believe battery-powered mowers are the best choice for everyday use—not just for convenience, but because they dramatically reduce noise and emissions compared to petrol models. This makes them the more environmentally friendly option, ideal for wildlife-friendly gardens, residential areas, and even large lawns with the right equipment.


Here’s how to maintain your mower, and why we see battery power as the clear winner for both you and the planet.

Petrol Mowers: Powerful but High-Maintenance

Petrol mowers remain popular for their power and ability to tackle tough terrain. They’re reliable in larger gardens, but they require more mechanical care due to their engine components.


Typical Petrol Maintenance
After every mow: Clean the deck, inspect the blade, check for leaks
Monthly: Top up/change oil, clean air filter, inspect spark plug

Winter prep: Drain fuel, oil, and moving parts, deep clean
Petrol mowers are essentially small engines on wheels—and like any engine, they need regular upkeep. They’re also noisy and release emissions while operating, which can affect air quality and local wildlife.

Battery Mowers: Quiet, Clean & Low Fuss

Battery-powered mowers are becoming a clear favourite for eco-conscious gardeners. They’re quiet, lightweight, and produce no emissions at the point of use. What’s more, they’re much simpler to maintain.


At Earthly Comforts, we use battery mowers across all our local gardens, including larger spaces. Today’s models offer extended runtimes and swappable battery systems—so we can mow efficiently and quietly without disturbing neighbours, pets, or pollinators.


Typical Battery Maintenance
After each use: Clean the underside, remove, and store the battery
Monthly: Wipe vents, check the blade, and battery contacts
Seasonally: Sharpen or replace blade, full checkover
Winter prep: Charge battery to ~50–70%, store in a cool, dry space
No oil, no filters, no fumes—just smooth, hassle-free mowing.


Can Battery Mowers Handle Big Lawns?
Yes! While early battery models were best for small patches, newer designs are more than capable of handling larger lawns. With improved motor efficiency, longer battery life, and dual-battery systems, even substantial gardens can be mowed efficiently and cleanly, especially when charged with renewable electricity.


We routinely use battery mowers for full-size lawns in and around Sandwich, achieving excellent results with minimal noise and disruption.

Which Is the More Eco-Conscious Option?

When you weigh sustainability, battery mowers have clear advantages:
While batteries do have an environmental cost in manufacturing, their overall emissions across their lifetime are much lower than those of petrol mowers.


This benefit increases if the product is charged using renewable energy and is recycled responsibly at the end of its useful life.

Which Is the More Eco-Conscious Option?

When it comes to sustainability, battery mowers clearly come out ahead:

Eco FactorPetrol MowerBattery Mower
EmissionsHigh – produces CO₂ & pollutantsNone at point of use
Noise PollutionLoud – disruptive to wildlifeQuiet – pollinator & neighbour-friendly
Maintenance WasteOil, fuel, spark plugsMinimal – mostly battery upkeep
Fuel SourceFossil fuelsElectricity (greener if renewable)
Wildlife ImpactHigh – noise & fumesLow – better for nature-friendly gardens
Earthly Comforts: Gardening with Quiet Power

At Earthly Comforts, our choice of battery-powered tools reflects our values.


We prioritise:
Low-noise, zero-emission equipment
Wildlife-sensitive working practices
Organic methods with no synthetic chemicals
Green waste recycling and composting
Kind, consistent garden care year-round

Published by Earthly Comforts

The Earthly Comforts blog supports my gardening business.

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