Knowledgebase
Fire Safety of Native grasses on hillsides #868444
Asked May 14, 2024, 5:05 PM EDT
I live in a HOA community. Some of the neighbors are having disputes on how high to cut native grasses on south facing steep hillsides. One neighbor argues the vegetation is a fire hazard and a public safety concerns for neighbors. How often and how high should native grass hillsides be cut?
El Paso County Colorado
Expert Response
Dear Bradley,
Thank you for reaching out to us to ask your question regarding how often and how high should native grass hillsides be cut.
Here is an article that goes over care of a native lawn. The article does say to check with your city or HOA to be aware of any species or mowing height rules before planting a native species. . During very dry summers, all native lawns will become dormant – especially if they are mowed. Unmowed native grasses will have better drought resistance and will often retain some green color during the longest dry periods. If mowing is a must, mow at the highest setting possible.
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Native-Lawn-Establishment.pdf
With more and more homeowners and neighborhoods choosing to go native with lawns there are certainly going to be controversies regarding such changes. This article below address some of these concerns to include your neighbors concern about a fire hazard.
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Native-Grass-Areas-for-HOAs.pdf
Bradley I hope this addresses your question and please reach out to us for further questions.
Kind Regards,
Laurie P.
Colorado Master Gardner
