Outdoor maintenance

You can maintain your property while still respecting your neighbours...

The operation of lawn-mowers and other powered tools is subject to neighborhood rules!

No sooner do we put away the snow blower than it’s time to take out the lawn mower ... and plant flowers... and prune trees ... all that needs to be done to keep and enhance our gardens. Unlike winter time when everything happens indoors with the windows closed (well, almost everything!), most of our summer activities happen outdoors when windows are wide open. It is therefore important to take care not to bother our neighbours with noisy tools or loud outdoor speakers.

Learn about the applicable regulations

In Kirkland, By-law no. 2013-54 relating to Nuisances sets out the main rules which citizens must follow regarding property maintenance, including lawn mowing and other gardening projects and activities.

Noise pollution

In order not to disturb the neighbourhood at odd hours, the by-law specifies that it is prohibited, between May 1st and September 30, to use or permit the use of a chainsaw, lawn mower, snow blower, power tool or any similar tool or machinery, the operation of which is of such a nature as to disturb the peace, well-being, comfort or tranquility of the public or of the neighbourhood in the immediate vicinity:

a) before 7 a.m. and after 9 p.m., Monday to Friday;

b) before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. on Saturdays;

c) before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m., on Sundays and holidays.

It is important to know that citizens may be subject to fines should they use these tools or other noise polluting sources during these periods.

Out of respect for your neighbours, we recommend that the use of a lawn mower or other noisy equipments be restricted during lunch or supper times, so as not to bother them, especially if they are sitting quietly outside. Good citizenship is always appreciated!

Visual nuisances

The quality of life, in our residential sectors, is closely linked to the cleanliness of green spaces and landscapes, both on private properties and in public areas. It is therefore important to keep maintaining them regularly. In this regard, the By-law stipulates that lawns and wild plants (wild grass and shrubs that grow freely) must be cut before they exceed the regulatory height of twenty centimeters (20 cm).

In accordance with the By-law, nuisance is also the presence of branches, brush, weeds, plant residue, dead tree parts, dead trees, scrap metal, garbage, waste, paper, empty bottles or foul smelling substances on the grounds or outside the building. To find out more about how to get rid of these nuisance items, please refer to the Residual Waste Collections section.

In the Sustainable Development section, there is also valuable advice on lawn care, pesticide use and the different environmental programs offered by the municipality.

Plants which are harmful for the health and the environment

Certain species of plants have a sap that is toxic and can cause serious skin burns or respiratory problems for people who are allergic. Such is the case for giant hogweed, poison ivy and ragweed, which according to the By-law are prohibited from growing on city land.

For further information, please visit The unwanted section or reach a Green Line eco-counsellor, available April through October.