Monday, Aug. 13, 2012

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- All the summer rain is creating a growing problem with uncut yards and jungle-like vegetation throughout Augusta.

"When we see the large amount of rainfall on a short period of time, it's always going to present an issue for us because the grass comes back a lot quicker than it normally would," said Clayton Smith with the Augusta Environmental Services Department.

Smith says his workers have already cut more than 400 yards this summer throughout Richmond County.

"Naturally, it's going to be a sanction for wildlife, so you're going to have mice and snakes and things like that if you live next door to it," he said.

City crews only respond and cut lots after employees in the licensing and inspection office fail to contact property owners.

"As a last resort, we clear the vegetation and any debris that may be on the lot," he said.

However, the clean-up does not come free. It will cost you $240 for the first hour city workers are in your yard and $112 for an additional hour. If you don't pay, the city will put a lien against your property. Workers will only go onto properties to clean up if the inspection office fails to reach the homeowner.

Have information or an opinion about this story? Click here to contact the newsroom.

Copyright WRDW-TV News 12. All rights reserved. This material may not be republished without express written permission.