$1,000 Fine for Breaking Minnesota Mowing Laws

Minnesota summers are great and we know how to make the most of the beautiful weather. Once the sun starts shining and the temps start rising in the spring, you’ll find residents outdoors everywhere. Restaurant patios are full, hiking and biking trails are busy, and neighborhoods are full of families outside playing.

For homeowners, it’s a busy time for lawn care. The University of Minnesota put out a lawn care calendar to help you know when to seed, when to apply fertilizer or weed and feed to your lawn, and when to aerate or dethatch.

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A lot of people don’t worry about any of that, but everyone mows. Did you know there are actually mowing laws in Minnesota? Violating them could result in a hefty fine.

How Often Do People Mow Their Yard?

The average American will mow their yard once every 7-10 days, and according to Today’s Homeowner, they’ll cut the grass over 1,000 times in their life.

I’m definitely getting out there once a week and I’m still rocking a gas mower although electric mowers have become very popular in Minnesota.

How Early Is Too Early to Mow in Minnesota?

I like to get my weekend chores done as quickly as possible so Saturday mornings are busy for me, but I wait to mow until I see the neighborhood kids outside playing which is usually around 8:30 or 9:00 am.

There isn’t a state law on mowing hours, but Carly Ross from 106.9 KROC did some research and found most cities do have rules to follow.

Minneapolis law says you aren't allowed to operate outdoor equipment like power lawnmowers after 10 PM or before 6 AM, in St. Paul, the hours are after 10 PM and before 7 AM, and quiet hours in Rochester, are after 11 PM or before 7 AM.

Three Minnesota's Mowing Laws That Could Result in a $1,000 Fine

Minnesota Statutes 115A.931

 This law states that yard waste like grass clippings is not allowed to be placed in your trash can. If you intentionally break the law by putting yard waste in the regular trash (instead of composting or other allowed methods), you could face a civil fine of $100 for each instance, with a maximum penalty of $5,000.

Minnesota Statute 160.2715

This law doesn't mention grass clippings, but it aims to prevent anything that could create a hazard or obstruct public roadways. Local officials could interpret this to include grass clippings and charge you with a misdemeanor which could come with fines up to $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail.

Minnesota Statute 169.42

This is the littering law. Disposing your grass clippings in the street could be considered littering and the penalty for that is up to a $1,000 fine and possible jail time.