Turfgrass and Prohibited Plants
Requires property owners to keep turfgrass cut and prevents prohibited or noxious plants. Helps keep yards safe, tidy, and free of overgrowth that can harbour pests.
This chapter is relatively focused. The key practical requirements are summarized below in plain English.
Plain-English Overview
Chapter 489 requires property owners to keep their grass cut and their land free of certain prohibited plants. Turfgrass over 20 cm must be cut, the 10 prohibited 'local weeds' (Schedule A) must be kept off the land, and vegetation must not block sidewalks or sight lines.
Who it applies to: All property owners in Toronto, including owners of vacant lots.
Key Requirements
Cut turfgrass over 20 cm
Chapter 489, § 489-2 (Maximum height)Owners and occupants must cut the turfgrass on their land whenever it grows taller than 20 centimetres.
Compliance looks like
Mowing the lawn before it passes 20 cm.
May be a concern
An overgrown lawn or vacant lot well past 20 cm.
Keep land free of prohibited plants
Chapter 489, § 489-2.1 and Schedule APrivate land must be kept free of the local weeds listed in Schedule A — Canada thistle, buckthorn, dog-strangling vine, garlic mustard, giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed, phragmites, poison ivy, purple loosestrife, and ragweed.
Compliance looks like
Removing giant hogweed or dog-strangling vine when it appears.
May be a concern
Letting a patch of a prohibited plant spread across the yard.
Don't block sidewalks or sight lines
Chapter 489, § 489-2.1Vegetation must not obstruct sidewalks or roadways, or block driver/pedestrian sight lines at intersections, driveways, and walkways.
Compliance looks like
Trimming a hedge that was creeping over the sidewalk.
May be a concern
Overgrowth blocking a sidewalk or hiding a stop sign.
Practical Compliance Guide
- 1
Mow before 20 cm
Keep turfgrass cut so it doesn't exceed 20 cm, including on vacant land you own.
- 2
Identify and remove prohibited plants
Learn to recognize the 10 prohibited plants and remove them safely. Use this site's Prohibited Plants Identifier for photos and safe-removal steps.
- 3
Handle hazardous species carefully
For giant hogweed and poison ivy, avoid direct contact and consider professional removal.
Some prohibited plants are hazardous — never burn poison ivy, and avoid giant hogweed sap.
- 4
Keep edges clear
Trim vegetation back from sidewalks, driveways, and corners so sight lines stay clear.
Common Questions
How long can grass legally get before it's a violation?
Generally, turfgrass must be cut once it grows taller than 20 centimetres.
Reference: § 489-2
Mow before it passes 20 cm; report a chronically overgrown property to 311.
Are there plants I'm not allowed to grow?
Yes — the chapter lists 10 prohibited local weeds (Schedule A) that must be kept off private land, including giant hogweed and dog-strangling vine.
Reference: § 489-2.1, Schedule A
Use the Prohibited Plants Identifier to identify and safely remove them.
Is my neighbour's overgrown vacant lot reportable?
Owners of vacant land must also keep turfgrass cut and prohibited plants removed, so an overgrown lot may be reportable.
Submit a 311 service request with the address and a photo.
Does this apply to a natural garden?
The chapter is mainly about turfgrass height, prohibited weeds, and keeping sight lines clear; it notes it does not override the provincial Weed Control Act for natural gardens. Confirm details in the official chapter.
Reference: § 489-4
Check the official Chapter 489 if you maintain a natural garden.
What This Chapter Generally Covers
- Maximum permitted height for turfgrass
- Removal of prohibited and noxious plants
- Yard maintenance on occupied and vacant land
- Exemptions for natural gardens that meet requirements
Common Examples
- Turfgrass well above the permitted height
- Overgrown vegetation on a vacant property
- Prohibited invasive plants such as Giant Hogweed
Related Topics
This page summarizes Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 489, Turfgrass and Prohibited Plants in plain language for general reference only — it is not legal advice. Always confirm the exact requirement, wording, and any exemptions in the official chapter or with the City of Toronto.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-14
Information on this page is summarized for general reference only and is not legal advice. Always confirm the official requirement using the City of Toronto Municipal Code or other official City sources.