Minnesota Limits How Tall Your Grass Can Be

It's that time of year again when everyone starts talking about "No Mow May" -- is it a good idea? is it a bad idea? Or maybe, just maybe, it's a clever ploy by Big Pollinators to hoard all that sweet pollen for themselves?

I don't have the answers to those questions, but I do have the answer to another common lawn-related question: Are there legal limits on how tall you can allow your grass/weeds to grow in Minnesota?

The short answer, for the most part, is yes, but the details depend on where you live.

For example, in Duluth, private residents have no ordinance governing the height of grass and weeds in yards. Technically, you can let your grass grow as tall as the lift bridge and nobody will care. Well, your neighbors might care, but the city government doesn't. It looks like an ordinance requiring residents to mow their lawns was brought to Duluth City Council in 2009 but was quickly shot down. "Get off my lawn!" -- Duluth

But what about the rest of Minnesota? What is the maximum height for grass in other cities across the North Star State? Keep reading to find out.

What is the Ideal Height to Mow Your Lawn in Minnesota?

Landscaping experts at the University of Minnesota suggest that a typical midwest lawn should be kept at a height of 3 inches or higher. This will help shade out weeds and keep the soil cooler promoting longer roots and making the grass more drought-proof.

Okay, so now we know the maximum height you should allow your grass to grow to keep it healthy, but what is the maximum height it can grow to keep from getting slapped with a fine from the city?

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What Are Lawn and Grass Height Limits in Minnesota Cities?

Most major cities in Minnesota do have an ordinance on the books related to how tall is too tall for residential lawns and weeds. If the grass in your yard exceeds the heights listed for the cities below, you could end up with a fine of over $100.

Most cities will give a warning allowing the property owner a few days to get it cut, otherwise the city may just hire someone to cut the grass and pass the expense on to the property owner.

Here are the lawn and grass height limits for some notable Minnesota cities:

• Albert Lea - 9 inches
• Austin - 8 inches
• Bemidji - 6 inches
• Bloomington - 8 inches
• Brainerd - 6 inches
• Brooklyn Park - 8 inches
• Faribault - 8 inches
• Mankato - 12 inches
• Maple Grove - 8 inches
• Minneapolis/St. Paul - 8 inches
• Owatonna - 8 inches
• Red Wing - 6 inches
• Rochester - 12 inches
• St. Cloud - 10 inches