Little known mowing law completely bans landowners from cutting their own grass before exact date

LANDOWNERS have been warned not to fall foul of a little-known rule that determines when their patches of grass can be mowed.

And, the legislation decides when grass near roadsides can be cut.

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Rules are in place that determine when grass located by highways can be cut (stock)[/caption]

The rule is in place to protect habitats and local wildlife, as reported by the CBS affiliate KGAN-TV.

And, it means lawn mowing near roadsides is banned until July 15. 

The law, which is in force across Iowa, first came into force around 20 years ago. 

Previously, grass near highways couldn’t be cut until July 1. 

But, the date was shifted to July 15 following a law change in 2010.

Officials explained the motive behind the date change. 

Todd Bogenschutz, who is part of the state’s Wildlife Bureau, recalled the state had suffered bad winters between 2007 and 2010. 

He explained how the date change can help local species like quail and rabbit recover, per The Gazette.

Americans must follow the rules to ensure they are not in breach of the environmental law.

Cutting vegetation on any interstate or highway is off limits unless it falls within one of the exemptions. 

If grass is within 200 yards of a home, it can be mowed.

Landowners can also take action if it helps protect local vegetation and mitigate the effects of damaging insect populations. 

Grass can be mowed if the reason is for visibility and safety.

Landowners can also trim vegetation if grass or plants are blocking access to mailboxes, for example. 

It’s highly unlikely that landowners will be fined if they don’t follow the regulation to the letter.

It’s tricky for officials to determine when grass near highways was cut. 

Meanwhile, in North Dakota, state highways were being mowed from mid-June. 

Grass would be cut depending on its height, according to the state’s Department of Transportation.

In the state, hay bales must be stored on the outer edge of the right of way.

But, bales must be cleared by November 1, according to local law.

For landowners or homeowners needing to spruce up their lawns, The Sun has shared a series of tips on when it is best to cut the grass.

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