Dieppe is following in the footsteps of other Canadian cites by no longer regulating the maximum height of vegetation (e.g., grass) on private property, unless traffic or public safety is impeded. The previous 20-cm height restriction has been removed.
Objective
The move is aimed at complying with legal opinions and decisions handed down by various Canadian courts. Case law suggests that aesthetic criteria for lawn maintenance are arbitrary and unconstitutional.
Mowing still permitted
Don’t worry, you can still mow your lawn! Allowing vegetation to grow on property is voluntary, but homeowners must continue to:
- not block traffic, visibility, signs and street lighting,
- remove harmful, toxic or dangerous plants, and
- comply with directives issued by the fire or environment department.
Ecology
Natural spaces encourage biodiversity in urban environments. Letting wild plants flower helps endangered pollinators, such as the monarch butterfly and bees. The beneficial effects of less frequent mowing include:
- ↑ Greater abundance and diversity of plants and insects
- ↓ Fewer greenhouse gas emissions
- ↓ Fewer undesirable insects and plants
- ↓ Lower soil temperatures
Make way for flowers
More and more Canadian cities are revisiting their landscaping practices, with a view to:
- making more room for flora and fauna;
- better allocating resources;
- and respecting the environment.
Turning lawns into natural spaces is important for ecosystems. These spaces provide an essential habitat for many plants and animals and help foster biodiversity.
Transformation can be achieved either by reducing the frequency of mowing or by planting plants that will replace the grass traditionally associated with lawns. We are currently testing various methods on public land to identify what works best and assess the impact on the environment. We’re also participating in a research project on insects in partnership with the Université de Moncton’s biology department.
Some residents may choose to turn their lawn into a flower meadow. This promotes habitat diversity, which can benefit pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Natural flower meadows also play a vital role in water management, helping to prevent flooding and recharge groundwater.
Make way for colours
Flower meadows act as carbon sinks, helping to reduce the effects of climate change. They also enhance the aesthetic quality or our environment through added colour and texture.
In short, converting lawns to natural meadows is good for nature and for us. It promotes ecosystem health, protects our natural resources and beautifies our surroundings.
At home
You, too, can incorporate flowers into your yard. Several online resources are available, including this explanatory guide published by the David Suzuki Foundation.
Source
Watson CJ, Carignan-Guillemette L, Turcotte C, Maire V, Proulx R. Ecological and economic benefits of low-intensity urban lawn management. J Appl Ecol. 2020; 57: 436–446.