Follow yard maintenance rules
Keep your yard safe and well-maintained. Find out how to report a yard maintenance problem.
On this page:
- Keep your yard free of hazards and clutter
- Remove noxious weeds
- Avoid invasive plants
- Do not use public land for private purposes
- Get a licence before using pesticides
- Report a yard maintenance issue
Keep your yard in good condition
Under the Lot Maintenance Bylaw, you must keep your front yard safe and well maintained.
Remove safety hazards:
- harmful insects or pests such as termites and rodents
- grass or weeds taller than 20 cm (8 inches)
- noxious weeds
- branches or bushes that block sidewalks or roads
- dead, decayed or damaged trees
Remove clutter:
- garbage, litter, brush and debris
- stagnant water
- unlicensed or unused vehicles or trailers
- machinery or parts
- indoor furniture, such as couches or chairs
Remove noxious weeds
You must remove noxious weeds from your yard. Common examples include:
- giant hogweed
- poison ivy
- ragweed
Be careful when removing these weeds — some can cause skin irritation or other health issues.
Avoid invasive plants
Do not plant invasive species. They spread quickly and harm local plants and green spaces.
For safer options:
- check the Grow Me Instead Guide to find plants that thrive in our area
- review common invasive plants in the Grand River watershed
- report invasive species through EDDMapS Ontario
Do not use public land for private purposes
Encroachment means using public land for private purposes without permission.
Examples include:
- sheds, fences, play equipment or birdfeeders
- pools, trailers, composters or wood piles
- gardens planted beyond your property line
You also may not alter public land by:
- mowing, pruning or removing vegetation
- planting trees or shrubs
- dumping waste
You may face fines up to $10,000. Our encroachment policy (PDF) explains the process to remove encroachments and restore land at the expense of the person who encroached on it.
Get a licence before using pesticides
In Ontario, you need a licence to use pesticides on your lawn. Visit the Ministry of Environment's website to learn more.
Report a yard maintenance issue
If a yard does not meet standards, you can make a complaint.
Submit a complaint online. You'll need to register, but you can track your request. Using the online portal sends your complaint directly to an officer for a faster response.
Include the address and describe the problem – photos are helpful.
You can also call 519-747-8785 or email municipalenforcement@waterloo.ca to make a complaint.