The City of Detroit cuts 100,000 lots 4 times a year to make sure that Detroit neighborhoods are safe. The City of Detroit pays on average $13.44 per vacant lot. The average vacant lot is 3,200 square feet. Think of a home with a front and back yard. The City of Detroit and its contractors work at a fast pace to maintain lots throughout the city. The City of Detroit performs a safety cut to keep the grass at an acceptable level and promote community safety to improve neighborhoods. Clean-up is performed by a separate crew up to 24 hours after the cutting crew leaves. 

In cases where block clubs, homeowners, or community organizations maintain gardens or generally maintain the lot themselves, please place a 3-4’ wooden stake on the front of the property. The wooden stake should be painted hot pink at the top or have a secured hot pink ribbon tied to it. If vacant lots are not clearly marked crews may cut the lot. All vacant lots will be cut according to the cutting schedule five times this season. 

The cutting schedule is weather dependent. Lots blocked by obstacles including parked cars or fenced-in cannot be cut. Vacant lots are inspected by the City after completion. Contractors are Detroit based and approximately 90% of vacant lot employees are Detroit residents.

What can we cut?

The General Services Department only cuts vacant lots that are open and structure free. The department does not cut vacant lots that are fenced in or that have structures on the property.
 

The Vacant Lot Cutting Program has ended for this year. Mowing will resume in the spring of 2027. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding.