Memphis, TN Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Memphis Code § 9-96-3 splits lots into two tiers. "Small tracts", building lawns, sidewalks, neutral strips, walkways, gardens, decorative landscaped areas, and unimproved lots of two acres or less, must be kept at 12 inches or under. Grass walkways abutting city streets get a tighter six-inch cap. "Large tracts" (unimproved property of two acres or more) may grow to 12 inches during the growing season, but if a large tract sits within 130 feet of improved residential property it must meet the small-tract standard instead.

The director of general services can exempt a tract kept as a natural or wilderness area from cutting. Section 9-96-2 makes the underlying duty explicit: owners must keep weeds, rank grass and noxious growth cut or clipped to prevent nuisance and urban blight, and failing to do so is a misdemeanor punishable under § 1-24-1. Enforcement runs through § 9-96-4: the grounds maintenance section of general services serves a notice, in person, by certified mail, or posted on the property, giving the owner five days to cut.

One notice per "growth season" (May 1 through September 30) is legally sufficient for the rest of that season. If the owner still doesn't comply, § 9-96-5 lets the weed section of general services cut the property itself, by city crew or contractor, and file the cost with the director of finance. A lien attaches to the property for those costs, and any amount still uncollected by December 31 is certified to the city treasurer and collected the following year as a special tax alongside the owner's regular city property taxes.