As the City of Ypsilanti participates in Low Mow May, an environmental initiative aimed at supporting pollinators, officials are also reminding residents that grass and weeds on properties cannot exceed 12 inches in height as the city begins seasonal code enforcement efforts.
Under the city’s ordinance, property owners are responsible for trimming tree branches down to at least 10 feet above sidewalks and public rights of way. Shrubs, bushes and fence lines must also comply with visibility requirements laid out in the city code.
Officials said that properties that are not brought into compliance by May 23 could be subject to enforcement at the property owner's expense.
"Anything above 12 inches is still subject to code enforcement," said Jeremiah Brown, the communications assistant for the City of Ypsilanti. "That is mainly due to grass at that length potentially being a public nuisance."
City officials said that ordinance enforcement staff will not issue correction notices during May for lawns under the 12-inch limit. However, enforcement will continue for properties where vegetation exceeds that threshold.
"Instead of encouraging residents to completely abstain from mowing during the month of May, we're encouraging residents to just consider mowing less frequently and to maintain their yard heights between six and 12 inches," Brown said.
Cutting back on mowing during the month allows for the bloom of important pollinator-friendly flowers, Brown said.
"The early growing season is really critical for local pollinators," Brown said. "They're hungry this time of year, and newly emerged bees can struggle to find flowers early in the season," Brown said.
Brown said public reception of Low Mow May has been mostly positive thus far.
"For the most part it's been very positive. People understand the importance of our local pollinators and caring for our ecosystem," Brown said.
For resident Hannah Gillick, observing Low Mow May is an important part of supporting Ypsilanti's pollinators.
"I think that (Low) Mow May is crucial to the ecosystem. Giving insects time to wake up and early pollinators helps the bees,” Gillick said. Gillick has lived in Ypsilanti for three years.
"We don't rake either, and leave the yard as natural as possible for the bugs and animals," Gillick said.
The reminder comes as communities across Michigan continue to adopt pollinator-friendly practices while balancing neighborhood maintenance standards. Residents with questions about enforcement or compliance can contact the city’s Ordinance Enforcement Division. Full enforcement will resume in June.
