City Reminds Residents to Maintain Proper Vegetation Height

City Reminds Residents to Maintain Proper Vegetation Height

Roseburg, OR – With spring nearly over and the summer season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to catch up on yard work.  Utilize this opportunity by maintaining compliance with the City’s vegetation height requirements.

The City of Roseburg requires property owners to maintain all grasses and weeds to be no more than a maximum height of 12 inches, per Municipal Code 7.04.150. As temperatures rise, and as subsequent rainfall diminishes, the chance of fire danger due to high vegetation can increase. That is why it is important to mow your lawn, remove weeds and trim down other vegetation for everyone’s safety.

City of Roseburg Community Development Director, Stuart Cowie, reflects on why it is important to maintain compliance with this ordinance.

“Tall grasses and weeds are not only a fire danger, but they are also difficult to remove once overgrown,” says Cowie. “Make it easier on yourself, and your wallet, by staying on top of lawn care and gardening. The sense of personal pride after a hard day of yard work is wonderful. And, it keeps our town looking beautiful.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many residents to stay home. Being homebound, residents have rediscovered the therapeutic advantages of gardening and lawn care. To help, the City of Roseburg has created a list of tips and recommendations on how to keep your lawn looking pristine.

• Mow at the right height – In the summer, adjust your mower height to leave grass slightly taller. Taller grass shades soil, which reduced water evaporation, leads to deeper roots and prevents weed seeds from germinating.
• Water your lawn properly – For healthy grass, water your lawn deeply and infrequently. The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning, three to four times a week.
• Clean up after your pooch – The family dog can cause dead spots on a lawn. If you see dying grass due to a dog’s urination, flush the area with water to dilute it. Be sure to pick up waste and dispose of it properly.
• Avoid parking on the grass – Driving or parking on the lawn can lead to soil compaction, which can lead to dead grass.
• Sharpen your mower blade – A dull mower blade tears grass, creating ragged, brown edges that provide an opening for disease organisms. Sharpen your blade for every 10 hours of mowing.
• Remove weeds sensibly – The best time to remove weeds is right after a rain shower. The weed roots will be moist, which leads to easier removal. Make sure to remove weeds at the root level, and if you insist on using herbicides, choose one that is environmentally friendly.

For more information, please contact the City of Roseburg Community Development Department at 541-492-6750 or cdd@cityofroseburg.org.