Avoid Blowing Cut Grass into Roadways, Warn Officials

It’s grass-cutting season once more, but Tennessee officials advise against blowing cut grass into roadways.

The clippings can pose a danger to motorcyclists and cyclists, roadways, and the environment. Cookeville Public Works Director Greg Brown said when cut grass gets into storm sewage systems, it can create issues for not only you but your neighbors as well.

“It can wash down the street and into storm sewers, it can clog the drains, it can get in the pipes and clog them or the grates in the inlets it can get on top of them and clog them and cause the street to flood. If the pipe gets flooded it can cause the street plus somebody’s yard to flood downstream,” Brown said.

In addition to causing damage to yards and roadways, cut grass can also present a huge danger to cyclists and motorcyclists. Lieutenant Anthony Leonard said it’s important to keep those operating two-wheeled vehicles safe. While there isn’t a law prohibiting cut grass in roadways, some states treat grass clippings as litter and fine residents for leaving them.

Leonard said that while there isn’t a specific law against it in Tennessee, neglectful mowers might face other consequences.

“I’m not aware of any law that specifically covers grass clippings in the roadway, however there are laws that cover negligence and things like that and of course civil liability as well. Ultimately it’s dangerous and we wouldn’t anyone to get hurt,” said Leonard.

To avoid any sort of negative consequences this spring and summer, Brown said to make sure your lawnmower is facing your yard, to blow grass clippings back into your yard, or to bag up the clippings.