A well-maintained lawn isn’t just a source of pride in the Louisville metro area, it’s often a legal requirement.

For homeowners and property managers, understanding lawn requirements for the Louisville metro area is crucial. Not only does proper care prevent code violations and fines, but it also nurtures landscapes where families and communities thrive.

This resource is meant to guide you through the specific lawn regulations in Louisville, Jeffersonville, Clarksville, Floyd County, and Clark County. After reading this expert breakdown, you’ll have the knowledge you need to decide when it’s time to either take care of your lawn yourself or hire a professional like Walnut Ridge Landscape & Design for lawn mowing and other maintenance. 

Why Lawn Maintenance Matters

Lawns are more than aesthetics. Local governments enforce standards to deter pests and protect sightlines for both vehicles and pedestrians. Falling behind on maintenance exposes property owners to city or county enforcement actions, potentially racking up costs that outweigh routine care.

Louisville, Kentucky Lawn Requirements 

In Louisville proper, there are several lawn requirements that residents must follow, although the city does have an ordinance protecting native gardens:

• Grass Height: The law requires grass and weeds to stay under 10 inches. Exemptions exist for “managed natural landscapes,” without invasive or noxious weeks, which need clear borders, educational signage, and annual mowing.
• Maintenance Details: Bushes and trees should be trimmed, with tree limbs kept away from horses and power lines. Dead wood should be removed from yards. All vegetation bordering sidewalks must be trimmed to avoid getting in the way of pedestrians.

Expert Tip: Set a regular mowing routine during growing season, and consider native options if you’re prepared to meet the city’s specific requirements.

Jeffersonville, Indiana, Lawn Requirements

Jeffersonville’s lawn requirements are similar to Louisville’s, but with slightly stricter height requirements and no exceptions for native plants. 

The maximum allowable height for grass in Jeffersonville is 9 inches. Overgrown vegetation that impedes sidewalks or traffic visibility is prohibited.

Expert Tip: Address any violations within a few days of notice, as local code enforcement is active in spot-checking neighborhoods.

Clarksville, Indiana, Lawn Requirements 

The Town of Clarksville  requires grass, weeds, and other vegetation to be kept under 10 inches. 

If a resident is issued a violation, they have five days to change it before a town employee has the authority to put a lien on the property.

A lien is a debt that prevents a property owner from selling or refinancing the property until it is resolved.

Clark County, Indiana, Lawn Requirements

Lawn requirements are typically less strict in unincorporated areas, but Clark County, Indiana, does have some rules for specific types of property:

• Billboards & Outdoor Signs: Grass and vegetation within 25 feet of a billboard must be kept free of weeds, or the sign may be forced to be removed. 
• Mobile Home Parks: Landscaped areas in mobile home parks should be kept maintained, including proper pruning, mowing, and weeding. 

Floyd County, Indiana, Lawn Requirements

Floyd County has lawn requirements for buffer yards, or areas between different types of land uses, such as between residential-agricultural lands and rural suburbs. These buffer yards need to be covered in grass or another type of approved ground cover. 

Landscaped areas in rural housing developments are also required to be free of weeds and regularly maintained. 

The Value of Professional Lawn Care in the Louisville Metro

If you violate lawn care requirements in the Louisville Metro area, it’s smart to get it taken care of quickly before the fines begin. Or, better yet, minimize future issues by hiring a lawn care professional to perform regular maintenance on your landscaping. This will give you peace of mind, as well as a beautifully maintained yard. 

For a trusted lawn care professional in Louisville or Southern Indiana, reach out to Walnut Ridge Landscape & Design. We’ve been providing expert lawn care services for decades and are well-versed in the lawn requirements for Louisville and its surrounding areas.