“After last year, following requests from residents, we are making a major change to the way we mow the streets – the whole city will have a neat, short lawn, ensuring good visibility for drivers. We have also heard complaints from people suffering from allergies and residents’ concerns about the spread of ticks. We will not allow grass to grow too big in areas where people spend active time, but we won’t cut it down to the ground either,” said Valdas Benkunskas, Mayor of Vilnius, about the new mowing procedure.
Natural meadows mowed once or twice a year will only be left on the slopes of arterial streets, the Neris river embankments and on undeveloped land plots. Such territories account for about 12% of the green area.
In other areas, short lawns will be maintained. However, residents have the possibility to maintain an area of natural grassland near their homes. They can contact their eldership and suggest places where they would like to preserve natural grassland. Residents will also be provided with a possibility to maintain their favourite meadows themselves. Having agreed with neighbours, residents can print out a sign and use it to mark the area where a natural meadow is to be maintained. Hay mowers have been warned not to touch such areas. It should however be noted that a one metre strip will have to be left along footpaths and near car parking lots.
Five companies mow the city’s meadows: Ekonovus, Stebulė, Šilėja, VSA Vilnius and Ecoservice.
Mowers have to rake up grassland within 1-2 weeks, which is the time it takes for the plant seeds to germinate. Grass from hard surfaces must be collected on the same day, while grass cut on short lawns is to be left uncollected.
Invasive plants will be eradicated everywhere and throughout the season. Invasive plant stands will be mowed before they have a chance to set seed and immediately removed for disposal.
For more information about meadows and mowing in Vilnius, please see the Frequently Asked Questions section.
