I have been asked to cut my backyard by my city. My front yard exposed to the public is maintained.?

Question

The rear line is wooded as well as one other side. The other is basically in view by one individual neighbor but not out their windows. I like what I see out there, rabbits, hawks, deer etc...

Plus I am saving gas, time and I am not poluting

Answer 1

Sadly, there is likely an ordinance governing how high your grass can be. (We can be ticketed if it hits 8 inches.) Ignorance of the law is, sadly, no excuse.

Here's one option though that's green. Mow now, but call the city and ask if they have special restriction for native grasses. Some municipalities recognize the importance of native plantings and will let you plant specialized grasses that are allowed to grow to their set height (often over 6 or 8 inches) and stay that way. Some will demand that you keep copies of receipts to prove it's a deliberate planting, not a weed.

This, of course, requires you to buy and plant native grasses.

Alternatively, depending on how large the lawn is, you can get a push mower that isn't motorized. We love ours. It's brand new, from Craftsman and it light years beyond the mowers our grandfathers used.

Good luck!

Answer 2

LOL...the government in action!  

Maybe your neighbor doesn't mind the rabbits, hawks, deer etc but maybe he sees rats!  I wouldn't know what the answer is,  but I do sympathize with you!

Answer 3

cut your grass your neighbors don't want to look at that when they are in there yard. they probably reported you to the city it sounds like your just to lazy to me.

Answer 4

Do onto to others as you would like done onto you. You may prefer it because of the sights, but your neighbor and any prospective neighbors might see it as an eyesore and laziness on your part. If the city is forcing you then there is a law against not mowing it. The law is probably there because poor upkeep by neighbors brings down property values. If you were trying to sell your house would you want to lose thousands of dollars because your neighbor doesn't give a **** what you think? Sometimes you just got to step back and see it from there perspective.

Answer 5

Ask them to provide you the statute giving them the authority to demand this. If they cannot provide one, tell them you will fully cooperate once they can. If they do provide one, then read it and ensure that they do, in fact, have that power.

If they have the power, then you have to cut it or face whatever penalties they can levy on you. Otherwise, the only thing they can do is politely ask, and you can politely ignore them.

Answer 6

The tall grass next to your house is an invite for unwanted animals to get too close.  Animals carry disease, ticks, etc.  The cities can't discriminate because you have limited veiwing by others.  If there are complaints, they must act.  Just cut the grass and worry about more important things.

Answer 7

I had the same problem.   Rototilled it up and planted wildflowers.    It's now my "flower garden".   Got them off my back for the year; see about next year.

Answer 8

Some jurisdictions have noxious weed legislation.

If you don't comply with the notice, they can come & cut it.

Then they will put a hefty charge on your tax bill.

If you object, ask for a copy of the legislation & order.

Otherwise, you can appeal for keeping it natural.

Or maybe get a couple of goats to keep it nibbled.