Becca Trueman, Conservation District Supervisor

Native Plants Become Legal!

Earlier this year Louisville Metro Council unanimously approved an update to Chapter 156 of the Property Maintenance Code, allowing for the planting of managed natural landscapes on private property. Prior to approval, the Weeds Ordinance stated that plant growth “in excess of ten inches” was prohibited, aside from a few exceptions such as trees, shrubs, and cultivated flowers and gardens. 

Native plants were a sort of gray area. When in bloom more common natives such as Black-eyed Susan and Purple Coneflower, with their mid-size compact forms, easily appear to meet the standards. But what about the hundreds of other native flowering perennials, that to put it nicely, many find less than aesthetically appealing? Well, here’s the catch. While the flowers that we are accustomed to seeing in residential landscapes work well for so called curb appeal, their contribution to the environment is all but non-existent, and even damaging when part of a system of management that includes excessive and improper lawn mowing, watering, fertilizer application, and pesticide use.

It is native plants that give back, with their amazing ability to transform a property from an infertile dead zone to a thriving ecological oasis, especially when multiple adjacent properties get on-board. As many know, and many more including myself are learning, there is a unique joy in growing a native plant garden that goes far deeper than a constant pop of color.

Louisville’s updated Weeds Ordinance finds balance between societal expectations, and a desire (or arguably a need) for city residents to support nature on their own properties. Now we can have pretty flowers, and provide habitat for pollinators and birds, reduce runoff, help clean the air, and sequester carbon.

The Updated Weeds Ordinance in Action

This June, I had a visit from Louisville Code Enforcement in response to a complaint about the “weeds” growing in my front yard. A reminder that Code Enforcement site inspections are complaint driven. This is also a good time to emphasize that calling a plant a weed is in no way indicative of its ecological value, but rather a term to describe plants growing in the wrong place. Taken from use in agricultural settings, today plants are often called weeds as part of our everyday colloquial language. It’s easy to forget that everyone has their own idea of what a weed is, which can lead to discrepancies in how policies are enforced. 

However, Louisville’s updated Weeds Ordinance does a very thorough job in providing definitions and specifics that in practice I found helped create clarity in a situation that could easily become subjective. So, on a Friday morning in June what started as an initially stressful situation (as any plant-parent could understand), quickly resulted in a pleasant conversation with an Officer who also had clear knowledge of the updated ordinance. 

To many, my yard (or “yarden”) looks a bit messy more often than it looks like the beautiful wildlife sanctuary I’m working to cultivate. Looking to improve your ability to be patient? Grow a native plant garden! These things take time and with most of my plants in their first or second growing season, I don’t expect big, long-lasting blooms.          

The way I manage my yard is all about putting wildlife first, with the exception of the squirrels who could be better at sharing. But it is also important to me that my yard be in compliance- which it is! My grass is mowed under 10 inches, I keep a border of mulch around planted areas, and have two habitat signs (although just one is required). The plants growing closest to the road are shorter and compact and I will install fencing and trim these back as needed. Per the Ordinance, everything will be trimmed once a year. I’ll do most of this in late-spring as new growth emerges so stalks and seeds can provide much needed homes and food for overwintering insects and birds.

It feels empowering to know my small front yard with 50+ native species and growing is legal. And while I may never sway the opinion of at least one unhappy neighbor, I am hopeful that there are many more who appreciate my efforts and I can help along by offering free seeds and plants.

Continued Community Support

The Conservation District supported Louisville’s Office of Advanced Planning and Sustainability, along with numerous dedicated community organizations and countless residents in advocating for this ordinance update. The Conservation District is now seeking to further assist Jefferson County residents with free native plant signs (a requirement of the ordinance) and with a newly launched Native Plant Cost-Share Program. 

We are aiming to provide 26 residents (1 from each Council District if possible), with up to $100 to purchase and install native plants into new and existing gardens. All individuals and groups are welcome to apply.

Applications are due September 15th.

Those selected will be notified by the end of September. 

Please note: Native plant signs will be available soon. While signs will be free, donations will also be accepted to meet demand and reduce financial limitations for starting a native garden.