TOKYO (AFP) - A Japanese condominium complex has decided to ditch noisy lawnmowers and their paid pushers for a more natural option: goats.

The suburban Tokyo complex has obtained four grass-munching animals to help beautify the walled property and chomp on weeds in those hard-to-reach areas.

A spokesman for the state-owned site's developer claims the rental goats are cheap and don't need much instruction while their poop pellets pose little risk to residents' health.

"It's more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than paying for lawn mowing," he said.

"And goats are better than humans at mowing grass on steep slopes." Residents have embraced the idea. The developer says that if the two-month trial, which started in September, works out it may hire more goats for its other properties.