Lawn Maintenance

The City of Moorhead asks that residents please keep on top of lawn care, and if you are going to be on vacation or your mower is "on the fritz", consider hiring someone to help or asking a friend for assistance.

Whose job is it?

The City of Moorhead is responsible for maintaining parks and recreation areas, along with other City-owned properties and a number of roadway corridors. Individual property owners are responsible for mowing their properties, including the adjacent boulevards.

What’s the rule?

The City Code standard requires that for areas 250 square feet or 30% of the lot (whichever is less), grass may not exceed 8 inches in length and noxious weeds must be cut down or sprayed. 

How do I make a report?

If you notice a property in Moorhead that has tall grass or noxious weeds, please make a report or call the Neighborhood Services Division at 218.299.5434. Your name will not be released to the property owner.

What happens next?

Once a report has been verified, the property owner will be provided a time frame for compliance.  If the property is not brought into compliance, the City hires a contractor to mow, and the property owner bears the cost of the service plus an administrative penalty ($100). Unpaid mowing charges are assessed to the property.

Natural Lawn Plantings

Looking to incorporate natural plantings on your property that exceed eight inches in height?

• A Natural Lawn on private property, or a lawn consisting of plantings other than turf-grass or weeds (such has wildflowers, native or non-native grasses, forbes, ferns and shrubs) are permitted with the standards noted below.  
  • A Natural Lawn must be less than 24 inches in height when it is within 5 feet of a driveway/alley, within 30 feet of an intersection or within 3 feet of a fire hydrant.
  • A Natural Lawn may not overhang on the sidewalk, curb, street or adjacent property. 
  • A Natural Lawn must be maintained as to not include noxious or invasive weeds or plants.
  • A Natural Lawn may not be planted on a levee or other flood protection structure or within 20 feet of flood protection infrastructure. 
  • The City may order cutting of a Natural Lawn at any time when it is determined that the growth does not meet the standards outlined in the City Code. 
  • Property owners that plant a Natural Lawn are responsible for requesting utility location and ensuring that no plantings interfere with utilities. Utility providers may access and perform work on properties and any damage caused to Natural Lawn areas is the responsibility of the property owner. 

Boulevard Plantings

Would you like to incorporate natural plantings in the boulevard?

• City Code allows plantings in the boulevard. The boulevard is the public right-of-way lying between the property line and sidewalk, and between the sidewalk and the roadway, or where no sidewalk exists between the property line and the roadway. 
• Check out the Boulevard Right-of-Way permit if you're interested.