June 19, 2025, 2:11 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
On some weekends in spring and summer, the scent of freshly cut grass often fills the air. While some may find it almost intoxicating, a study reveals there’s actually something quite different behind it.
The distinctive scent of freshly cut grass is familiar to most. For some, it evokes childhood memories of running barefoot on a mowed lawn. A 2009 lawn study even found that this smell can reduce stress and protect nerve cells. However, what many don’t know is that the scent released by the plants serves a specific function. For the grass blades, mowing is a significant stress–and they respond with the scent signal that we often find pleasant.
What Lies Behind the Smell of Freshly Cut Grass
When the lawn is mowed, the cut blades release a so-called “leaf scent” known as cis-3-hexenol–along with other substances, such as aldehydes and alcohol. These volatile organic compounds are meant to aid in wound healing, boost metabolism, and protect the shortened grass blades from bacterial infections.
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However, that’s not all, as reported by lawnmower manufacturer Husqvarna. The scent is also supposed to keep predators away that might attack the already weakened lawn. The smell of freshly cut grass is actually a warning signal! Unfortunately, it has no effect on the lawnmower, but it does on voracious insects. The scent compound cis-3-hexenol can even be toxic to some pests.
In the wild, this scent is not emitted nearly as often as it is in a garden with a lawn. A 2022 survey by manufacturer Stihl found that lawns in most gardens are cut every two weeks. Among myHOMEBOOK readers, a survey showed that about half mow their lawn once or more per week. As a result, the lawn is subjected to constant stress from frequent mowing and regrowth, producing more cis-3-hexenol than usual.
What a Lawn Expert Says
How does a lawn expert assess the fact that grass tries to protect itself from supposed predators with scents? myHOMEBOOK asked Dr. Harald Nonn from the German Lawn Society. He is well aware of the study, but there is nothing new to report since then. “Personally, I associate the smell of freshly cut grass or a freshly mowed meadow with positive memories of my childhood and activities in agriculture,” reveals the agricultural scientist.
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Where to Put the Grass Clippings?
After mowing, when the cut blades lie on the ground or in the catcher, many garden owners wonder how to dispose of the material. In fact, grass clippings can still be used effectively, such as for mulch or as filling for raised beds. You can also add the clippings to the compost pile, where they become valuable fertilizer. However, you should not simply add wet grass clippings to the compost pile.
Why Mowing Robots Don’t Produce the Scent
“Not every garden owner gets to enjoy the scent of freshly cut grass. A mowing robot, which is almost constantly in use, only trims the blades by a few millimeters. This releases only small amounts of the scent compound, which is continuously reproduced. We hardly notice this smell anymore. The advantage of this method–also called mulch mowing: You can simply leave the grass clippings, and they act as a natural fertilizer.”