Leroy Merlin launches a lawn mowing service by... sheep

Have your lawn mowed by... sheep or goats from local farms. Yes, it's possible. This is the challenge Leroy Merlin has taken on with its new "Plan Bêêê" service, available to individuals via the brand's website .

An eco-grazing service that fits into a specific context. Indeed, since June 4th, it is now forbidden to take your lawnmower out between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. in 23 French departments (here is the complete list ).

"This measure aims to reduce noise pollution during lunch and nap times, to limit the risks associated with high temperatures for both users and machines, and to reduce polluting emissions from thermal lawnmowers," Leroy Merlin explained in a press release.

What does this new service consist of? And what are its benefits? RMC Conso explains.

The service was designed in partnership with GreenSheep , a company that has specialized in the ecological maintenance of green spaces using animals since 2016. Before any installation, a feasibility study is carried out to verify that the land is suitable.

The sheep or goats are then housed for a large part of the year to support the natural growth of the grass. "A local shepherd ensures regular monitoring: adjusting the number of animals, checking the facilities, care, and administrative procedures, with the support of a dedicated veterinarian. And if necessary, the shepherds can even take care of installing a shelter, a watering trough, and fences," it explains.

Why choose to welcome these ruminants onto your land? Because the benefits are numerous. Compared to mowing a lawn, sheep make no noise. So, there's no more noise pollution. Bringing animals back into a living space is also more pleasant.

The best part is that the lawn will be constantly trimmed. You'll also no longer have to manage green waste, as the sheep consume the cut grass directly. With eco-grazing, you can enjoy free and natural fertilization of your soil thanks to sheep droppings.

This service is also more environmentally friendly than a petrol lawnmower. It's an alternative that requires neither machinery nor chemicals. It emits fewer greenhouse gases, thus reducing the carbon footprint and protecting pollinating insects and insectivorous birds.

"Plan Bêêê embodies our ambition: to make sustainable development practical and desirable for everyone. By offering eco-grazing to individuals, we are putting nature back at the heart of everyday life," states Florent Quelquejay, Garden Market Director at Leroy Merlin, in the press release.

Finally, "animal welfare is a priority," according to Paul Letheux, founder and CEO of Greensheep. "Proximity is essential for animal monitoring, which is why each shepherd manages sites within a limited perimeter."

However, it is important to bear in mind that this method is not without its constraints: the cut will not necessarily be uniform and the mowing rate is necessarily slower.

But how much does this service cost? According to Greensheep, the method is on average 25% less expensive than traditional mechanical mowing. However, no price has been provided. When contacted, the company stated a price of €230 per month.

On the Leroy Merlin website, if you rent a lawnmower for the day, it costs 39 euros. Knowing that you have to mow the lawn twice on average in the summer, it will cost you a total of 78 euros for the month. It's cheaper, but you'll have to put in significantly more effort, especially if you have a large yard.

Similarly, if you pay a gardener €10 to €12 an hour and it takes them two to four hours to mow your lawn, it will cost you between €20 and €48 for one session and between €40 and €96 for two sessions. Again, it all depends on the size of your yard. Therefore, you should consider each situation on a case-by-case basis to determine if you are saving money.