Naturalized Gardens

Naturalized gardens use less water, need less upkeep, and improve the City’s urban forest. By planting different native and non-invasive plants that thrive together, you can create a natural habitat in your own yard. With any garden, weeding and pest control is necessary to maintain the health of your garden. However, it’s a great low-maintenance option for homeowners.

Naturalized gardens do not mean abandoning lawn maintenance all together. Leaving grass and other vegetation to grow naturally without any maintenance can be harmful to your property and environment. It can result in the introduction of noxious or invasive weeds, bugs and pests. It can also interfere with sightlines and pedestrian, bike, and other non-vehicular traffic. It is not the same as building a naturalized garden.

There are many great examples of naturalized gardens in Burlington. This includes in residential neighbourhoods and City parks. The City allows you to install and keep a naturalized garden on your property and the City boulevard as long as you comply with the City's Lot Maintenance Bylaw (By-law 049-2022).

The City’s Lot Maintenance Bylaw provides any overview of property maintenance, including:

pest prevention
storage of waste for disposal and compost
standing water
graffiti
general maintenance

Naturalized Garden Dos:

Follow height requirements

Height restrictions on certain plants are in place to aid in the prevention of ticks, vermin and other pests that can contribute to health issues and safety risks.

Height restrictions do not apply to the following on private property items (as long as they do not impede sight lines or pedestrian/vehicle flow):
- ornamental plants
- shrubs or trees
- cultivated fruits or vegetables
- plants buffering or otherwise protecting a natural feature such as a watercourse
- naturalized area that is in compliance with the Lot Maintenance Bylaw
Height requirements do apply to the City boulevard to help with sight lines. Property owners/tenants of property are required to maintain the adjoining boulevard at their expense, and are required to cut vegetative growth on the boulevard whenever the height of the vegetative growth exceeds 20 centimetres in height or length and to keep the boulevard free of all noxious weeds.

Plant native and pollinator plants

Native plants are adapted to thrive in our local environment and require minimal watering. Pollinator plants provide food and shelter for bees, butterflies, and other insects. For tips on choosing native plants, visit: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources - Naturalizing your local park or backyard.

Conduct some weeding

Weeding can help avoid overgrowth of noxious weeds and invasive species. Abandonment can lead to the introduction of noxious weeds and invasive species which can be harmful to the environment. Overgrowth can also provide habitats for rodents and vermin which can be destructive to your property.

Determine maintenance schedule

While naturalized gardens may appear to require less maintenance than a regular garden, a little goes a long way. A maintenance schedule helps keep your naturalized garden healthy and helps ensure your property remains in compliance with the City’s Lot Maintenance Bylaw.

Naturalized Garden Don’ts:

Don’t allow invasive plants and noxious weeds to take over. The Province has helpful resources for managing and preventing invasive species and noxious weeds.
Do not allow growth to obstructs sidewalks or streets.
Do not allow growth to conceal or interfere with the use of a fire hydrant or water valve.
For safety purposes, do not allow growth to interfere with access to your home.
Do not allow growth to restrict driver and pedestrian sight lines at intersections, driveways, sidewalks, walkways, or visibility to all traffic control devices.
Or any other condition respecting health and safety as the Director considers advisable.

Naturalized gardens frequently asked questions (FAQs)

I have a naturalized garden on my property. Does my garden and City boulevard need to remain within certain height requirements?

Under the City’s Lot Maintenance By-law, rules about height requirements are divided into two parts: one for private property and one for the City's boulevard.

On private property (equal or less than 0.4 ha in area), the By-law requires property owners to trim vegetative growth when it exceeds 20 cm in height or length. However, exceptions are made for:
- Ornamental plants;
- shrubs or trees;
- cultivated fruits or vegetables;
- plants buffering or otherwise protecting a natural feature such as a watercourse;
- naturalized areas that are in compliance with the By-law.
On the City boulevard next to your property, you must trim all vegetative growth over 20 cm high or length. Unlike private property, there are no exceptions for natural areas or decorative plants in this rule.

What is a naturalized yard or area?

Under the City’s Lot Maintenance Bylaw (By-law 049-2022), a “naturalized area” means an area or vegetation deliberately planted or cultivated with one or more species of wild flowers, shrubs, annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses, or combination or them, that is monitored and maintained by a person.

What is an ornamental plant?

Under the City’s Lot Maintenance Bylaw (By-law 049-2022), ornamental plants are defined as “plants deliberately grown for beautification, screening, accent, specimen, colour or other aesthetic reasons but does not include vegetative growth as defined in this by-law”. Weeds and invasive plants are not considered ornamental.

Is it true that you don’t have to maintain or weed a naturalized lawn?

No. Naturalized lawns require maintenance, including weeding.

The bylaw requires that all property owners remove all noxious weeds from their property, including within naturalized areas.

What happens if I don’t maintain my lot?

If the City becomes aware of an unmaintained lot, we will:

Investigate.
If your property does not comply with the Bylaw, we will give you information on why your property does not comply with the Bylaw.
We will give you a set amount of time to bring your property into compliance with the Bylaw.
If you choose to leave your lot as is and not bring your property into compliance with the bylaw, then:
- The City may cut the weeds/grass at your expense and/or
- Commence prosecution. This level of enforcement only takes place after all avenues are exhausted by the Municipal Law Enforcement team trying to work collaboratively with you.
- These charges may result in a fine, as outlined in the Lot Maintenance Bylaw (By-law 049-2022).

When it comes to enforcing Bylaws in the City of Burlington, City staff always strive to work collaboratively with residents to gain compliance. The City’s enforcement protocol involves a lot of investigating, educating and corresponding with residents to comply with the City’s various Bylaws.