For years, City of Laurel residents—and those in surrounding counties and municipalities —have had to navigate a gray area when growing wildlife gardens. A widely used legal code dating to the 1970s made no distinction between tall native plants, such as milkweed and goldenrod that support monarch butterflies, and invasive plants that can overtake abandoned properties.
In Prince George’s County and elsewhere, the policy has led to native plant gardeners receiving code violation notices and mow orders from enforcement officers.
Now, following the example set by Hyattsville, College Park and other nearby municipalities, the City of Laurel has moved to distinguish native plant gardens from actual weeds.
On April 27, 2026, the mayor and City Council approved a new ordinance, sponsored by Councilmember James Kole, permitting “intentional plantings,” defined as “an area deliberately established and actively maintained as an alternative to traditional turf grass or formal planting beds, including but not limited to wildflower gardens, meadows, pollinator or native plant gardens, wildlife habitat gardens, rain gardens, xeriscaping, or other low-impact landscaping practices.”
Under the ordinance, city code enforcement officers may evaluate gardens using factors such as “plant composition, habitat function, presence of pollinators, clarity of borders, and evidence of maintenance. Certification by a conservation organization” may also be considered.
No formal registration process is required, and the ordinance took effect immediately.
Instead of the previous 8-inch height restriction for weeds and grass, residents are now only required to maintain a 12-inch maximum height for the first foot where intentional plantings border sidewalks or neighboring properties. Residents may also use a mowed strip, mulch border, hedge or fence along those edges.
For guidance on managing the height of native garden plants, see “Cutting Keeps Garden Edges Appealing” in last month’s issue.