We just received a letter from the City of Minneapolis informing us that we are in violation of a city ordinance that requires all grass to be less than 8″ tall. Now, we have a nice little lawn in the front of the house and we mow it once a week – it looks great. Around that lawn, and by the street, we have been attempting to establish a wildflower/native prairie grasses area that is drought-tolerant, requires no mowing, and eventually will look beautiful. I have been advised many times that these types of landscapes take patience and a fair amount of weeding, but it should look great within two-three years. Right now, I admit, it does not look so good.
But apparently, if we do not chop down all the grasses within the next two weeks, the city will not only fine us a few $100, they will also mow everything down for us! All those coreopsis, asters, blue phlox, and wild geranium plants we have been tending to (and spent a fair amount of money on) would be killed on the spot. I am not sure what will happen to our Little Bluestem grasses that will eventually be 2 feet tall.
From a public policy perspective, I do not know why the city would be on our case. The native wildflower/grasses area will be beautiful and can set a good example for a more sustainable landscaping alternative. It does not need irrigation, reducing the need for city water, and it does not need mowing — thereby preventing air pollution and noise pollution. On top of that, we don’t need to fertilize the area, reducing any run-off of chemicals into our lakes and rivers. The wild flowers also attract birds, bees, and butterflies — wildlife that is essential to our ecosystem.
But no – it seems the city is requiring us to mow anything above 8 inches. It was reported in the paper about a month ago that a Minneapolis man — who is well known for green building — had is no-mow fescue lawn tagged, mowed, and he was fined. Apparently the City Council is working on changing this ordinance, which is good news (see story). Maybe we should all contact our city council members and urge them to continue to the march. I know I will. In the meantime….I better go start weeding.
Hi Lissie,
Michael Anschel’s yard being mowed in his absence is a shame indeed. I am distressed that the same is threatened for your yard. Minneapolis for all its support of green efforts seems to have a very regressive ordinance to enforce. I can see why they have the ordinance in place – but apparently it is fairly obvious to everyone but the City that the ordinance should be more nuanced and account for tall grasses and wildflowers that are native species. Hope you are able to sort this out with your City Council.
So far we have not had any complaints from the City of Fargo about the native Blue Gramma that we planted last year in our front yard and is growing very well in some areas – about 12-18″ tall.
happy weeding.
Having viewed your home in the second summer, when you were continuing to cultivate the native landscape, I can say it did not look that bad to me. I have seen far more lawns glittered with dandelions nearly bursting with joy or that are unattended to in other ways. I am hoping that the City of Minneapolis will revise their public policy. Please keep us informed on your efforts!