Tall Grass & Weeds Facts at a Glance
Lawns over 12 inches tall are a code violation. 
Tall grass says no one cares about the property and neighborhood, inviting crime and vandalism.
Rats and other animals that cause health issues can live in tall grass.
Report tall grass using the Complaint Form for Property Code Violations or by calling Neighborhood Services at 703-792-7018.
What's the Big Deal About Weeds?
When the code refers to "Tall Grass & Weeds" this situation is defined as it is referring to grass, weeds, bushes, vines, poison ivy, poison oak, or any other foreign growth, other than trees, ornamental shrubbery, flowers and garden vegetables. When any of these types of vegetation are allowed to remain tall, there are possible negative consequences. Tall weeds detract from the appearance of the neighborhood. Undesirable wildlife like rats and mice use the unmowed lawn for hiding places and habitat, and these animals may carry disease. Lastly, unmowed grass tells passers by that no one cares about the property, which may invite criminal activity.
Filing a Weed Complaint
Any citizen may file a complaint for a weed case violation by using the
Complaint Form for Property Code Violations or by calling Neighborhood Services at 703-792-7018. When the weed complaint is received, Property Code Enforcement Inspectors must visit the property, determine its zoning requirements and measure the height of grass and weeds. If the property is found to be in violation of the Code, Neighborhood Services must give notice of the violation to the owner and occupant by regular mail and allow two weeks for compliance. If the property is still in violation after re-inspection, the County will authorize mowing to be done at the owner’s expense. A complainant should expect that several weeks will pass before tall grass and weeds will be mowed because Neighborhood Services must follow due process.
Don't Get Cited for Tall Grass & Weeds! The Cost to the Owner is Significant
Because the expense can be significant, violators should not think that this is an easy way to have their grass mowed for them. The County's contractor charges a minimum of $30 for an initial visit to prepare an estimate, and this charge is applied to the property owner even if the grass and weeds have been mowed before the contractor arrives to do the mowing. The fee for mowing is substantially more than what the neighborhood mowers would charge. Fees are more than $150 for a town home and have gone as high as $600 for larger properties.
Could there be a Reason your Neighbor hasn't Mowed?
Neighbors don't always talk to other neighbors, but a little awareness of your neighbor's situation may go a long way toward that sense of community and the appearance of your neighborhood. Neighborhood Services has seen quite a few cases where serious family illness or physical limitations and inability to pay someone to mow the lawn are the reasons for neglect of the lawn. Think about the home where a spouse is on military assignment or where elderly neighbors cannot push a mower anymore. Look out for your neighbors and offer to mow their grass; arrange for other neighbors to take turns mowing, too. Neighbors helping each other will maintain appearance and the sense of community.
Remember
Neighborhood Services is tasked with investigating citizens' complaints of tall grass and weeds.
On residential and commercial properties with two acres or less, grass and weeds of more than 12 inches in height are not permitted.
If the residential property is more than two acres, weeds more than 12 inches in height are not permitted within 150 feet of the edge of state-maintained road pavement or within 200 feet of another property's dwelling. (This does not apply to land zoned for, and in, active farming operation.)