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submitted 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) by Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world to c/Dullsters@dullsters.net

By neighbors’ dad insists on mowing their lawn at least twice a week, especially when I’m trying to enjoy my hammock.

How can I sabotage their mowers so it looks like normal wear and tear so that he doesn’t mow the lawn more than once a week.

inb4: suburbs suck

ETA: How does it take you three hours to mow a quarter acre on a riding mower?

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[-] tal@lemmy.today 32 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

neighbors’ dad insists on mowing their lawn at least twice a week, especially when I’m trying to enjoy my hammock.

Noise-cancelling headphones.

[-] Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world 11 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

You’d think that.

You’d really think that.

But the noise just comes through slightly muffled. It’s still BZZZRBZZZRBZZRB but more like bzzrvbzzzrcbzzzrbzzrb

And if it lasted a reasonable amount of time it would be one thing. But he’s out there. going over the same patch of lawn like five times

And then.

And then.

He mows the entire lawn AGAIN using a push mower with a bag attachment

Edit: AND HE DOESNT EVEN EMPTY THE BAG

[-] nightwatch_admin@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago

Sprinkle the lawn with salt water at night. Takes a while but it’ll kill the grass

[-] Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

I’ll just wait for August when the short-ass grass all dies

[-] SaveTheTuaHawk@lemmy.ca 2 points 2 weeks ago

AND HE DOESNT EVEN EMPTY THE BAG

Worst kind of porn

[-] RustyShackleford@piefed.social 22 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Maybe try buying him a hammock? All the other ideas lead to either a lawsuit, someone’s death or simple violence. Because littering his lawn with bike chains would be dangerous for everyone.

[-] Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world 4 points 2 weeks ago

simple violence

If I am committing violence there will be nothing simple about it

[-] WYLD_STALLYNS@lemmy.dbzer0.com 8 points 2 weeks ago

I think the last sentence was secretly a tip.

[-] Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world 4 points 2 weeks ago

I’m usually in favor of endangering everyone except in this case I am the nearest everyone.

[-] CompactFlax@discuss.tchncs.de 18 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

riding mower

That’s your problem, they’re designed for people who want to waste time on their lawn and drink a beer. People who want to get it done with have zero turn mowers.

Sodium silicate in the oil. Bleach in the gas. An iron spike driven into the ground just below the height of the grass.

But really the best way to deal with it is to get over it. I know sometimes it’s hard to get over an irritating sound, but it helps your mental health if you don’t get angry about something minor and entirely outside your control

[-] Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world 4 points 2 weeks ago

I can deal with someone like that.

The problem is it’s his daughter’s lawn. And as the dad of lady-presenting people I empathize with him to an extent.

He’s not mowing f his lawn. He’s taking care of his kid.

So I’m looking for a way to let him know his kid is safe without it barely inconveniencing me.

[-] MML@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 weeks ago

Get out your push mower, take off that shirt... Have someone subtly play Hustlin' by Rick Ross in the background and get to work

[-] Jojowski@sopuli.xyz 1 points 2 weeks ago

Well obviously you need to set up a conspiracy cult agains the Big Lawnmower and get the lady to join!

[-] anna@retrofed.com 15 points 2 weeks ago

Have you tried talking to him?

[-] Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world 1 points 2 weeks ago

He’s just so nice and brings me asparagus.

But he has a CIA hat and dos this on weekdays when I try to slack off.

[-] anna@retrofed.com 4 points 2 weeks ago

Asparagus does sound like a convincing argument.

[-] Almacca@aussie.zone 3 points 2 weeks ago

Surely you could persuade him that mowing that frequently is completely unnecessary?

Apparently the smell of freshly cut grass is a distress signal.

[-] Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world 1 points 2 weeks ago

They have large dogs and I think he excuses this behavior by saying it will help find their scat.

[-] Almacca@aussie.zone 1 points 2 weeks ago

He doesn't seem to be very smart.

[-] Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world 2 points 2 weeks ago

As a fellow old, it’s hard to admit we’re dumb

[-] SaveTheTuaHawk@lemmy.ca 1 points 2 weeks ago

Pointless. My Boomer neighbor has everything gas powered, even his coffee maker.

[-] Natanael@slrpnk.net 6 points 2 weeks ago

Do not cause permanent damage. Absolutely don't. Not worth it.

Try to sell him on something quieter. If he absolutely wants a mower he can ride on, try to sell him on a better and quieter electric one.

If he absolutely won't change, see if a noise complaint is possible (get a logging decibel meter).

And last, just unplug stuff. It can be plugged back in and it's not destructive, but IS very annoying

[-] rtxn@lemmy.world 6 points 2 weeks ago

If it uses a combustion engine, you could try putting something hydrocarbon-soluble in the fuel, like polystyrene. Some of it will get past the fuel filter and foul up the carburetor (and probably the spark plug) without causing permanent damage to the engine. Removing the blockage is trivial, all you need to do is soak and rinse the parts in fresh gasoline, but the diagnosis and disassembly requires some effort and technical knowledge.

[-] Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world 2 points 2 weeks ago

Napalm in the gas tank…

I like it

[-] LOLseas@lemmy.zip 5 points 2 weeks ago

Also, I think we all should acknowledge this is Dullsters. ITT it's violence all up and down. Come on, team.

[-] Emotional_Series7814@piefed.zip 3 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Yeah, somehow I think sabotaging another person('s property) qualifies as dramatic, not as dull. Wonder if all the upvotes are from drive-by folks who didn't check the community name. Also breaks rule 4, this isn't an advice forum.

[-] Kolanaki@pawb.social 1 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

instantly resorting to violence is pretty dull. If this was Creatives I'm sure there'd be less dull ideas.

[-] FauxLiving@lemmy.world 4 points 2 weeks ago

For around $1 million USD, you would launch it into orbit.

This would not cause any additional wear and tear so it would look pretty normal (through a telescope).

[-] SaveTheTuaHawk@lemmy.ca 3 points 2 weeks ago

Thanks, Elon.

[-] ikidd@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 2 weeks ago

Project Farm to the rescue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsjKLqUnwyU

I think lapping compound destroyed it the fastest, IIRC.

[-] Kolanaki@pawb.social 3 points 2 weeks ago

Scatter stones all over the yard being mowed so it fucks up their blade.

[-] coalie@piefed.zip 2 points 1 week ago

Remove his spark plugs.

[-] iamericandre@lemmy.world 1 points 2 weeks ago

If you can get to the mower just put sugar in the gas tank

[-] Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Feels too traceable.i want it to look like the mower gave out because it’s being used too much

And then? He'll buy another one...

[-] Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world 9 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

He’s using some late-70s Craftsman. There’s no money for it.

What if I buy them an electric mower and sneak it in there?

Better: Electrify the old Craftsman.

[-] LOLseas@lemmy.zip 3 points 2 weeks ago

Have you considered those plain foam earplugs? Now you can get 'em at super isolating ratings. If you're in The States, give Alpine earplugs a check. Comes with a variety of noise-block interchangeable/swappable inner filters, and not for much scratch.

Noise can definitely be a nuisance, but think about what you can do for your first lines of defense. Don't go on the offense.

[-] bufalo1973@piefed.social 0 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

"Sprinkle" the lawn with some stones. Big enough to fuck the blade but little enough so he won't see them. And not many.

[-] Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world 4 points 2 weeks ago

Okay but I have windows within “sprinkling” distance

[-] bufalo1973@piefed.social 1 points 2 weeks ago

Then there's the expensive solution: measuring the noise and see if you can call the police 🤷‍♂️

[-] Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world 1 points 2 weeks ago

Ew. I’d rather release feral hogs.

[-] capuccino@lemmy.world 1 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Scatter some flower seeds in the lawn.

[-] Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world 1 points 2 weeks ago

I like the idea of secretly converting all the mowers to electric.

[-] 7uWqKj@lemmy.world 1 points 2 weeks ago

Loosen the screw that’s holding the blade in place.

[-] Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago

I like this.

He doesn’t seem capable of fixing it himself and I’ve got a 1/4” breaker bar in the garage

[-] neatchee@piefed.social 14 points 2 weeks ago

Do not fucking do this. That is a lawsuit waiting to happen

this post was submitted on 03 May 2026
3 points (52.5% liked)

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