The Turfgrass and Prohibited Plants Bylaw requires all property owners or occupants to maintain their properties and ensure that health and safety requirements are met.
Please be a good neighbour! Learn about the do’s and don’ts for your lawn and how to grow pollinator-friendly gardens.
Owners or occupants of private properties are required to cut the turfgrass on their lawn whenever the growth exceeds 20 centimetres in height. Turfgrass includes various perennial grasses grown for lawns. These are grasses typical of traditional lawn that forms a dense, uniform turf if mown.
The Turfgrass and Prohibited Plants Bylaw has removed the process for natural garden exemptions. Under the bylaw all properties are required to maintain their lawns and gardens with a focus on health and safety requirements, such as managing the height of turfgrass, keeping properties free of prohibited plants listed in the bylaw and ensuring that sightlines are not obstructed.
The owners or occupants of private properties must keep their land free of the following prohibited plants. These plants are prohibited on private land because they threaten the environment and/or human health and safety.
Some plants can spread quickly and harm local wildlife, natural areas or people’s health. The bylaw lists plants that must be controlled or removed from private property.
Some of these plants can be hard to get rid of and may grow back after treatment. Because of this, property owners may be given more time to remove them.
If you need help identifying or managing a plant, read the Prohibited and Invasive Plants Fact Sheet to learn how to identify common prohibited plants, remove or control them safely, dispose of plant waste properly and help prevent regrowth.
Please see the list of prohibited plants below, along with a sample photo and helpful fact sheets that will provide more information and show you how the plant looks like in different stages of stages of growth.
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Consider replacing some of your turf grass area with native flowering plants. A perfectly manicured lawn is a food desert for pollinators. Natural gardens and lawns offer the most benefits for pollinators in terms of food and nesting spots.
Toronto is home to a wide range of pollinators, including 364 species of bees and 112 species of butterflies. They provide important ecosystem services such as pollination, which allows plants to produce seeds, fruits and new plants. They are also an important source of food for birds and contribute to the biodiversity in our city.
Habitat loss is the greatest threat to pollinators. That’s why the easiest and most effective way to help native pollinators is to create a pollinator garden with native plants. Native plants provide pollen and nectar which pollinators need to feed themselves and their larvae, as well as places to nest and overwinter.
An ideal pollinator garden will include the following:
Here are some tips to help you create a pollinator garden, including lists of native flowers, trees and shrubs. The plants you choose and how you maintain your garden are important considerations.
Get a grant for creating pollinator habitat in your neighbourhood from PollinateTO.
Meet Toronto's Official Bee, a metallic green sweat bee named Agapostemon virescens.
Residents can contact 311 to report a property that may not be following the Turfgrass and Prohibited Plants Bylaw. When making a report, provide as much detail as possible. Photos can also help support the City’s investigation.
If a property does not meet the bylaw requirements, the City may send a notice to the property owner explaining the issue and what needs to be done to fix it.
If the issue is not corrected, a Bylaw Enforcement Officer may take further action. In some cases, the City may arrange for the work to be completed and charge the costs to the property owner. These costs may also be added to the property tax bill.
The City’s goal is to support safe, well-maintained neighbourhoods by addressing concerns fairly and helping property owners comply with the bylaw.
Residents can contact 311 to report a possible violation of the Turfgrass and Prohibited Plants Bylaw. Bylaw Enforcement Officers investigate reports and work with property owners and occupants to help them follow the bylaw.
The City’s goal is to resolve concerns and help people understand their responsibilities. Each situation is reviewed individually so that any action taken is fair and appropriate. Some issues can be resolved through education, while others may require enforcement action.
If a violation is found, a Bylaw Enforcement Officer may issue an Order to Comply. This order explains what needs to be done and gives the property owner time to fix the issue.
Some prohibited plants can be difficult to remove and may need ongoing treatment to stop them from growing back. Because of this, property owners may be given extra time to comply.
Property owners who do not follow the Turfgrass and Prohibited Plants Bylaw may receive tickets and fines.
In addition to the Turfgrass and Prohibited Plants Bylaw, landscaping on your property may also need to meet rules in the City’s Zoning Bylaw. These rules can include requirements for soft landscaping and artificial turf.
Learn more on the City's Zoning Bylaw webpage.
Type (don’t copy and paste) your email address into the box below and then click “Subscribe” to receive updates related to the City of Toronto’s Turfgrass and Prohibited Plants bylaw (Chapter 489, formerly the Grass and Weeds bylaw). You will receive an email with instructions to confirm your subscription.