Photo by John Sonderman

When you were a kid, mowing the lawn was something you Mom made you do. Now that you’re an adult and a homeowner, it’s something that D.C. will make you do—and fine you if you don’t.

As of May 1, the city’s lawn-mowing regulations went into effect. If you own a home in D.C., it’s pretty simple—keep that grass and those weeds under 10 inches, or face fines of between $100 to $500. The D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs may give you a stern reminder the first time, but for any violation thereafter they can just mow your lawn for you and assess a fine.

Why is D.C. regulating how high your grass can get? Simple:

Tall grass can trigger respiratory problems like asthma and allergies in District residents and rats and other vermin are also drawn to the over-growth. This holds serious public health implications.

DCRA regulates several types of excessive vegetative growth including: kudzu, poison ivy, oak and sumac, plants with obnoxious odors, weeds, grasses causing hay fever, and any weed growth that creates a breeding place for mosquitoes.

According to DCRA, last year the department issued 437 violation notices, did the grass-cutting themselves on 375 occasions and collected $420,000 in fines.