Landscaping Rules in Cherry Hill, NJ

If you live in Cherry Hill or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Cherry Hill has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Weed Ordinances

Cherry Hill Township caps weeds and other plant growth at ten inches on any improved or unimproved lot. Property Maintenance Code § 15-16.4a bans noxious weeds outright and exempts only maintained gardens and cultivated flowers, with fines that start at $50 and reach $500 for repeat violations.

Key details: Governing section: § 15-16.4a, Natural Growth (Weeds). Height limit: 10 inches (254 mm) for weeds/grass. Vacant lots: Must be maintained 10 ft from right-of-way. First-offense fine: $50 affidavit plea. Repeat-offense fine: $100-$500, Municipal Court.

Weeds or grass over ten inches, or any noxious weed growth, violates § 15-16.4a. A first offense can be closed out with a $50 affidavit plea; repeat offenses go to Municipal Court for a fine of $100 to $500, and the Township treats each day the overgrowth continues, uncorrected after notice, as a new violation.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Removing, cutting or trimming more than 30% of any tree five inches or greater in diameter anywhere in Cherry Hill Township needs a Tree Removal Permit from the Department of Public Works under § 21-5. Homeowners get three free removals a year; commercial applicants pay $100 and both must replace or fund replacement trees.

Key details: Governing sections: §§ 21-5.1 to 21-5.8, Tree Cutting/Removal. Trigger: 5-inch DBH tree, over 30% cut/removed. Residential allowance: 3 trees/year free, no application fee. Commercial fee: $100 non-refundable application. Replacement cost: $175 residential / $300 commercial per tree.

Cutting or removing a covered tree without a permit is enforced by the Zoning Officer under § 21-9 and penalized under § 21-10 at not less than $100 nor more than $1,250 per tree, with each tree removed without a permit a separate offense; the violator must also submit a Tree Replacement Plan or pay $300 per tree to the Cherry Hill Tree Fund.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Cherry Hill actively enforces its tree removal & heritage trees requirements.

Tree Trimming

Cherry Hill Township property owners must care for every tree on their land out to the curb line, and the Director of Public Works can trim or remove any tree that blocks sight lines or traffic flow at the owner's expense under § 21-11c. The Director can also act unilaterally on trees that endanger public safety.

Key details: Governing section: § 21-11c, Powers of Public Works Director. Owner responsibility: Trees on property up to curb line. Township power: Trim for sight lines/traffic at owner's cost. Debris rule: No dropping limbs on street/sidewalk (§ 21-7). Penalty range: $100-$1,250 per offense (§ 21-10).

Trees that interfere with sight lines or traffic flow can be trimmed by the Township at the property owner's cost under § 21-11c without a separate citation process; dropping debris onto a street, sidewalk or curb while cutting a tree violates § 21-7 and is enforced by the Zoning Officer under §§ 21-9 and 21-10, at $100 to $1,250 per offense.

The Bottom Line

Cherry Hill's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Cherry Hill is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Cherry Hill's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.