Arlington County advocates for environmentally sustainable practices and encourages residents to proactively make changes to reduce runoff and plant native plants. Many responsible homeowners are supporting these initiatives on their properties and continuing the work they have done by planting native perennials in the public right-of-way, aka hellstrip, in front of their homes. This space is normally an extension of the grass lawn which has very little ecological value. Rather than supporting the efforts by these residents who voluntarily work to maintain these beautiful and ecologically valuable spaces, Arlington County persecutes homeowners using the weed ordinance.

Arlington County would save time, money and be more effective by working with homeowners to allow for alternatives to grass or mulch in these spaces.

Like many homeowners, I have maintained the public right-of-way in front of my home for several years with primarily native perennials. These plants change with the seasons and provide a constant source of conversation for neighbors and kids that enjoy gathering nearby. Goldfinches come back every year along with the threatened Monarch butterfly. The myriad of bees, butterflies and other pollinators visiting on any given day are too numerous to count. It is a small space but there is more life in the 4 x 20 ft. space than all the neighborhood grass lawns combined.

When approached by Arlington County to remove the plants, I asked what the height and space requirements were. Rather than work with me to create a workable solution while maintaining the environmental value and beauty of the space, the only option I was given was to make it grass or mulch. I have appealed to the County Manager's office but getting the support of others would show the County that change is needed.