New Milford's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In New Milford, Connecticut, 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.
Tree Trimming
Owners maintain trees on their own land; street and public-right-of-way trees fall under the New Milford tree warden, whose approval is required to prune or remove them (CGS §23-59).
Key details: Private Trees: Owner responsibility. Street Trees: Tree warden approval. State Law: CGS §23-59. Authority: Tree warden.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
New Milford is more permissive than most cities when it comes to tree trimming. That said, there are still limits.
Water Restrictions
Connecticut has no statewide outdoor-watering ban; irrigation limits are set by the local water utility during drought. New Milford-area customers follow conservation orders from their provider.
Key details: Statewide Ban: None. Set By: Local water utility. Trigger: Drought advisory. Oversight: CT Water Planning.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
New Milford is more permissive than most cities when it comes to water restrictions. That said, there are still limits.
Grass Height Limits
New Milford's blight ordinance, enforced by the Blight Prevention Board, treats overgrown grass and weeds among other blighting conditions on a premises. Owners must maintain vegetation or face an abatement order and possible town cleanup billed to the property.
Key details: Enforced By: Blight Prevention Board. Rule: Maintain grass/weeds. Remedy: Abatement, town cleanup. Cost: Charged/liened to owner.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
A private owner may remove trees on their own land, but removal of street or public-right-of-way trees requires the New Milford tree warden's permission and public notice (CGS §23-59, §23-65).
Key details: Private Land: Owner may remove. Public/Street Trees: Tree warden permit. State Law: CGS §23-59, §23-65. Notice: Required for public trees.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, New Milford gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 2 of the 4 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
This guide is based on New Milford's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.