Lakewood's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Lakewood, New Jersey, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Grass Height Limits

Lakewood Chapter 16 (Property Maintenance) requires property owners to keep lands free of brush, weeds, dead trees, and obnoxious growths. Owners must also clear grass, weeds, and brush from the street border along their property. Violations trigger a 10-day notice to comply.

Key details: Code Section: § 16-1 (Property Maintenance). Standard: Free of weeds, brush, obnoxious growth. Street Border: Owner must maintain. Notice Period: 10 days to comply.

10-day notice to comply. Township may perform removal and charge costs to owner. General penalties under N.J.S.A. 40:49-5.

Water Restrictions

Water use restrictions in Lakewood are primarily governed by NJDEP at the state level. Mandatory restrictions may be imposed during drought emergencies declared by the Governor. No permanent local watering restrictions exist.

Key details: Local Restrictions: None during normal conditions. Drought Authority: Governor / NJDEP. Drought Enforcement: Fines during emergencies. Conservation: Voluntary best practices.

During declared drought emergencies, mandatory water restrictions are enforceable with fines.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Lakewood gives residents more flexibility on water restrictions.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Lakewood Chapter 19 regulates tree removal to prevent indiscriminate destruction. Trees on single-family lots of one acre or less are exempt. Dead, diseased, or hazardous trees may be removed without restriction. Tree replacement may be required for development projects.

Key details: Code Section: Chapter 19. Single-Family Exempt: 1 acre or less with C.O.. Hazardous Trees: Exempt from restrictions. Replacement: May be required for development.

Unauthorized tree removal on non-exempt properties may require replacement and carries municipal penalties.

Tree Trimming

Lakewood requires property owners to maintain trees and remove dead, dying, or hazardous trees from their property. The Township regulates tree removal to prevent indiscriminate destruction and requires appropriate tree replacement.

Key details: Code Section: Chapter 19 (Trees) & Chapter 16. Hazardous Trees: Must be removed by owner. Dead/Dying Trees: Must be removed. Tree Replacement: May be required.

Failure to remove hazardous trees may result in enforcement action. The Township may perform removal at the owner's cost.

The Bottom Line

Lakewood'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 Lakewood is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Lakewood's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.