New Iberia Passes $500 Fine for Blowing Grass Clippings In Street

Lafayette, Louisiana (KPEL) - Summertime in Acadiana is here, and with that comes a lot of yard work.

After spending a couple of hours cutting grass and trimming, you just want to be done. You might even want to be done so bad that you just grab your blower and blow your grass clippings into the street.

If you do this in New Iberia it'll cost you a hefty fine.

YouTube Via KATC

Fines For Blowing Grass Clippings Into Street And Drains

So, what's the big deal about blowing grass clippings into the street and storm drains?

Flooding, that's the big deal.

We've had some serious flooding issues throughout Acadiana over the past couple of months. The last thing anyone needs to be doing is making it worse by clogging storm drains with yard clippings.

The City of New Iberia agrees and has recently passed an ordinance to prove they're pretty serious about it.

From KATC -

The ordinance, which goes into effect Aug. 2, aims to reduce drainage issues caused by grass and debris clogging the city’s stormwater system — a problem city officials say has contributed to increased flooding in recent years.

Unsplash Via Charlotte Cowell

New Iberia's new ordinance means that residents could face a $500 fine for blowing grass and yard clippings into public streets, sidewalks, or storm drains.

The ordinance applies to both residents and lawn services.

What should you do instead of blowing your grass clippings into the street?

Use a mulching mower or a mulching blade attachment and leave the clippings in your yard. Grass clippings decompose quickly and doing this will help return nitrogen and nutrients to your soil, acting like fertilizer.

If your mower has a bagging attachment, use it to gather clippings for compost, then use that compost for your flower beds, shrubs, or vegetable gardens.

Using grass clippings as mulch is great because it helps to retain moisture and suppress weeds from growing in your garden.

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