(4/13) To the surprise of just about everyone at the April 11 town council meeting, it was the discussion on the changing of the allowable heights of grass within town limits—not the ownership of chickens—that occupied a majority of the night’s discussion.
Due to frequent complaints from residents related to adjoining property owners not cutting their lawns, town staff recommended a change to the town code reducing the allowed height of lawns from 18 inches to 8 inches. The code specifically called out limiting the height of ‘grasses, weeds, and brush piles.’
Discussion between council members quickly deviated into a discourse over what in fact was meant by ‘grasses and weeds.’ Commissioner Dana Crum questioned if the code would restrict the ability of residents to develop native plant gardens designed to benefit native bees and butterflies.
"Many ornamental grasses that are often part of gardens can grow over 4 feet tall," Crum said. "Will the homeowners be forced to cut these plants?"
One resident questioned if the change was contrary to recent Maryland law that prohibited the forcing of homeowners to have lawns as opposed to wildflower meadows or just plain meadows.
What exactly was considered a weed perplexed many, as many weeds are also considered ‘beneficial,’ meaning they accomplish a number of roles in the garden or yard, including fertilizing the soil, increasing moisture, acting as shelter or living mulch, repelling pests, attracting beneficial insects, or serving as food or other resources for human beings.
Others questioned the limitation on the brush piles, citing that depending on the size of the pile and its composition, different organisms will be attracted and may establish themselves. The presence of piles of sticks usually attracts birds, which may nest within the pile or may just spend time within the pile searching for food or finding shelter at different points during the day. These birds contribute to increasing the diversity of animals present and serve to control of insects & pests in gardens and yards.
In an effort to alleviate the fears, Burgess Barnes and Commissioner Case made it clear that the intent of the ordinance was not to limit the gardening desires of any resident, but instead to simply place a limit on the height of grass in your typical lawn; "nothing more, nothing less," Barnes said.
"I myself would love to live next to a property with an actively maintained garden. Such properties not only add value to my home, but the town in general.
The goal of this change is to simply put a check on those who chose not to maintain their yards, or allow debris to accumulate to the detriment of adjoining properties. Overgrown lawns are not only unsightly but can serve as breeding ground for unwanted pests and vermin.
"And if someone who is truly growing a meadow or wildflowers is cited, they can always appeal the citation. Again, we have no wish to hinder gardeners, if anything we want more gardens in town."
Barnes’ logic won the day, and in the end, the council voted 3 to 1 to adopt the code change, with Commissioner Dana Crum casting the only dissenting vote.
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