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1. How Tall Is Too Tall For Grass?

Chapter Four of the City Code defines long grass as over eight inches tall. 

Residents are encouraged to keep grass healthy and within standards. Residents are also encouraged to control volunteer vegetation around foundations, trees, structures, etc. 

You may file a code enforcement complaint (PDF) about long grass. 

2. How Can I Keep My Lawn Healthy?

• Water deeply and infrequently - 3/4 of an inch to 1 inch of water per week will maintain a green lawn.
• Don't overwater - Water applied beyond the needs of the grass and holding capacity of the soil moves down out of the root zone of the grass, where it cannot be used by the lawn.
• Don't scalp your lawn - Mow the lawn 2 to 3 inches above the soil line but remove no more than 40% of the height of the grass.
• Let your lawn go dormant - This will save money and mowing time. If you choose to do this, don't fertilize your lawn in the spring. Gradually decrease water application as July approaches then apply 1/4 of an inch to 1/2 of an inch of water every two to three weeks. Shorten the interval if you have sandy soil.

3. Can I Have Native Plantings Or Natural Landscapes?

Yes, managed native prairie and/or natural landscapes are allowed and encouraged. Standards apply and such landscaping plans are subject to City administrative review and approval. 

• Native prairie and/or natural landscapes are planned, intentional, maintained, and designated areas where native plants are being or have been planted. 
• Native plants are grasses, wildflowers, forbs, ferns, and shrubs that are plant species native to or naturalized to the state of Minnesota, . Native plants do not include weeds, rank growth of vegetation, volunteer trees/shrubs, or long grass. 
• Native prairie and/or natural landscapes may be included and approved with required site plan review for commercial, multiple family, and industrial uses or landscape plans submitted with new subdivision developments.   
• Native prairie and natural areas within a distinct, defined landscape area on a single or two ­family property are allowed subject to a landscape plan being drafted, submitted, and approved administratively by the City. When drafting landscape plans, residents are encouraged to consult with resource providers, including but not limited to, Scott County Soil and Water Conservation District Representatives and persons with specific, demonstrated knowledge of native plantings and natural landscapes. 
• The following standards apply to naturalized landscapes proposed by homeowners:

• Native plantings and/or natural landscaped areas must be located on private property.
• Native planting and/or natural landscaped areas may occupy 50% or less of the turf area on any parcel.
• Native planting and/or natural landscaped areas are to be set back from property lines by at least 5 feet, unless:

• The defined landscape area abuts a similar private or public landscape area, 
• The defined landscape area abuts a wetland, pond, bluff, ravine, or waterway, 
• A fully opaque fence at least four feet in height is installed along the lot line adjoining the planned landscape area.