Landscaping Rules in Montgomery, AL

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

Tree Trimming

Anyone pruning or cutting trees for hire anywhere in Montgomery needs a permit from the city's urban forester, and construction crews working near a city tree's roots must fence off the drip line first. The rules apply whenever work touches the root zone of a city tree or one required by another ordinance.

Key details: For-hire permit: Required for any pruning/cutting job in the city. Permit fee: $5.00 per job. Permit validity: 90 days, extension available. Root protection zone: 18-24 in. deep to drip line. Power-line clearance: 5 ft (<750V) / 15 ft (>=750V).

Pruning, cutting or removing trees for hire without the urban forester's permit, or excavating within a protected root zone without one, is punishable under Section 12-166 by up to $500.00 in fines, up to six months' imprisonment or hard labor, or both, and the city can order a stop to ongoing work under Section 12-167.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Cutting, removing or damaging a city tree, or a private tree required by another city ordinance, is illegal in Montgomery without a permit from the urban forester. The city will only remove its own trees for specific reasons: hazard, sight-distance problems, invasive species, or a documented safety threat.

Key details: Permit required: To cut/remove/damage a city or required tree. Historic-district trees: >12 in. needs architectural review board OK. Removal grounds: Hazard, sight-distance, invasive species, disease/safety risk. Replacement rate: 0.5 in. caliper per 1 in. DBH removed. Mitigation fee: $62.50 per DBH inch if no replacement.

Cutting, removing or damaging a protected tree without a permit is punishable under Section 12-166 by a fine of up to $500.00, imprisonment or hard labor for up to six months, or both, with the urban forester authorized to issue a stop-work order under Section 12-167 for an ongoing violation and the city attorney able to seek an injunction and recover attorney's fees.

Compared to other cities, Montgomery takes a harder line on tree removal & heritage trees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Weed Ordinances

Montgomery caps grass and weeds at 12 inches on any property inside the city, including lots that abut city streets. Overgrown growth that hides pests, poses a fire risk, or is simply unsightly is declared a public nuisance the city can abate and bill back to the owner.

Key details: Height limit: 12 inches, ornamental plants excepted. Covers: Yards, vacant lots, street-abutting strips. Large-lot exception: 5+ acre farm property, 100-ft perimeter still cut. Abatement fee: $150 administrative fee after 10-day notice. Repeat violation: 3rd violation in 24 months triggers prosecution.

A property found in violation can be abated by the city or a registered nuisance abatement agent, with a $150.00 administrative fee added to the actual cutting cost once ten days pass without action, all of it collectible as a lien or through court action. A third citation on the same lot within 24 months triggers prosecution under Section 12-34, punishable under the Code's general penalty of up to $500.00 and six months in jail.

The Bottom Line

Montgomery'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 Montgomery is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Montgomery'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.