The Board of Aldermen perfected a committee substitute to update the Forestry Divisionregulations governing weeds, native plants, tree lawns and other vegetation (board bill 78), with sponsors saying the measure strikes a balance between permitting managed native landscapes and strengthening enforcement for chronic violators.

Sponsor remarks and scope
Alderman from the ninth, carrying the bill, said the ordinance "brings a balanced approach to how we deal with vegetation in the city by encouraging and even allowing managed native and sustenance landscapes within specific parameters, while also setting stronger regulation, and definitions for weeds and unmanaged landscapes." He thanked multiple stakeholders (Forestry, Info Tech, Comptroller, Office on the Disabled, Planning and Urban Design Agency, Missouri Department of Conservation, Seed St. Louis and Audubon Society) for input.

Key elements
- Tree-lawn plantings and front-yard gardens are permitted within a specified height limit (two feet in key sight-line areas) to preserve pedestrian sightlines for disabled users, children and people using mobility devices.
- The bill defines prohibited plant types (invasive or noxious species) and creates clearer enforcement procedures and higher fines for repeat violators.
- Sponsors said revenue from fines could support Forestry's operational capacity; several aldermen urged that compliance be accompanied by improved Forestry operations and year-round staffing.

Debate and concerns
Several aldermen said the idea is broadly supported but raised concerns about enforcement capacity and uneven maintenance across wards. The alderman from the third and alderwoman from the twelfth said current city operations leave alleyways and vacant properties uncut and that residents cannot be the city's only enforcement mechanism; they asked how fines would be used and whether Forestry has resources to follow up on violations. The sponsor said the measure clarifies responsibilities (to the center line of alleys) and aims to provide Forestry more tools to address chronic issues.

Vote and next steps
The motion to perfect the committee substitute passed on roll call with 10 ayes and 3 present. Sponsors said the next steps include coordinating with Forestry to prioritize implementation and to ensure the department has tools and staffing to enforce the new rules and support community gardeners.