Tall grass could mean fines for Jackson residents

JACKSON, Tenn. — The grass is growing thanks to warm weather plus plenty of rainfall. If you decide not to take care of your yard, the city of Jackson said you may have to pay a fine.

Wild, overgrown, lush lawns clutter neighborhoods in Jackson. “Your grass should never grow above six inches,” Jackson Housing Codes Coordinator Gary Hardee said.

Hardee said if they see grass that is too high, the city will send a letter. Don’t cut it within five days and the city said you could be summoned to environmental court.

“Overgrown yards leads to blight,” Hardee said. “It looks like the property’s neglected and blight leads to crime.”

If you end up in environmental court, Hardee said it could cost several hundred dollars. “You could get a fine and court costs, attorney fees,” he said. “It could add up.”

“Tall grass is a breeding place for fleas and ticks and chiggers,” Celeste Scott, a horticulture extension agent for UT/TSU Extension in Madison County, said.

Scott said it can also be a place for small rodents to hide and make their homes. “They can make their runs in that tall grass because they feel protected,” she said.

The city said it already sent out more than 100 weed ordinance letters this year. “The weather just seemed to warm so much quicker,” Hardee said.

Hardee said people are not supposed to have litter or vehicles sitting in the yard.

If you are interested in learning more about how to maintain your yard, the extension office will host a talk from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m on June 16. The event will take place at their office on North Parkway.