The Texas Law You Might Be Breaking With Your Lawn Care

When it comes to owning a home, you want a beautiful lawn. All over Texas, you'll find some of the most gorgeous yards. However, when it comes to those lawns, you have to keep them mowed. During the spring and summer, that's something that needs to be done weekly. Then in the fall, it's the great leaf drop.

How many times have you driven down your street and seen someone or a business mowing, then trying to clean up stray grass clippings or leaves? If they are blowing them in the street, then they are breaking the law.

Is Blowing Grass or Leaves Into the Street Illegal in Texas?

You cannot blow your grass clippings or leaves into the road. That means many people in the state of Texas are on the wrong side of the lawn on this one. This isn’t something often enforced, but once the wrong neighbor gets involved (you know, that neighbor), it can quickly become no holds barred.

Read More: How Early or Late Can You Mow Your Lawn In Texas?

What Does the Texas Law Actually Say About Yard Waste?

It might sound ridiculous, but this law does exist. It is included in the Texas Health and Safety Code 365.012

In Texas, you cannot dump leaves, yard waste, or any other solid waste anywhere that isn't an approved disposal site.  Yes, this includes roads, ditches, private properties, etc. It's considered littering and illegal dumping, involving blowing or sweeping grass, leaves, or other debris into the streets. Streets are not considered designated waste sites.

Read More: Can You Pick Pecans off the Ground in Texas?

How Much Is the Fine for Grass in the Street?

If, for some reason, you just happen to be the lucky one who gets cited for this, it's a Class C misdemeanor.  Class C misdemeanors carry a fine of up to $500.

Think twice before blowing or sweeping your grass or leaves into the street; it could cost you.