As summer mowing season is in full swing, we’d like to remind all residents: Please do not blow or leave grass clippings in the street. While it may seem harmless, grass clippings in the roadway can cause a number of problems:
• Safety Hazard: Grass clippings can create dangerously slick conditions for motorcycles, bicycles, and even cars—especially when wet.
• Stormwater Pollution: When grass clippings are left in the street, they can be washed into storm drains. From there, they enter our rivers and lakes, contributing excess nutrients that promote algae growth and harm water quality.
• Clogged Drains: Clippings can block stormwater grates, leading to street flooding during heavy rains and creating additional cleanup for city crews.
Do This Instead:
• Mow with the discharge chute facing your lawn, not the street.
• Use a blower or broom to sweep clippings back onto your lawn or into a compost bin.
• Mulch your clippings for a natural lawn fertilizer.
We appreciate your help in keeping our streets clean, our stormwater systems working properly, and our environment healthy. Let’s all do our part!
