New Orleans's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In New Orleans, Louisiana, there are 8 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

Heritage live oaks (Quercus virginiana) and other significant trees on public property and in many historic districts are protected under the New Orleans Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Article 23 and Department of Parks and Parkways rules. Trimming a heritage live oak generally requires a permit from Parks and Parkways. Routine trimming of private trees that are not designated heritage specimens is allowed without a permit.

Key details: : Public right-of-way trees require permit to trim. : Heritage live oaks 32+ inches DBH protected on private property. : Topping prohibited; ANSI A300 pruning standards apply. : Coordinate with Entergy for power line clearance. : Killing a protected tree triggers replacement based on appraised value.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [New Orleans code enforcement](https://nola.gov/next/parks-and-parkways/home/) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. New Orleans actively enforces its tree trimming requirements.

Grass Height Limits

New Orleans City Code Chapter 66 (Property Maintenance) requires that grass and weeds on private property be kept under 18 inches in height. Overgrowth is treated as a public nuisance because it harbors rats, mosquitoes, and snakes. The Department of Code Enforcement issues notices and may cut the lot at the owner's expense after a hearing, with the cost placed as a lien on the property.

Key details: : 18-inch maximum height for grass and weeds. : Notice and 7-10 day cure period before city action. : City cuts lot and bills owner; unpaid becomes a lien. : Native and rain garden plantings may exceed if documented. : Owner must mow neutral ground strip to curb.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [New Orleans code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/la/new_orleans/codes/code_of_ordinances) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Water Restrictions

New Orleans does not impose routine outdoor watering restrictions because the Sewerage and Water Board draws from the Mississippi River, an effectively unlimited supply. Restrictions appear only during emergencies such as boil-water advisories or major main breaks. Stormwater concerns dominate local water policy, not drought.

Key details: : No routine outdoor watering schedule. : Mississippi River supply via SWBNO Carrollton plant. : Restrictions only during boil-water or main-break emergencies. : Annual rainfall around 64 inches reduces irrigation need. : Saltwater wedge events have not affected Orleans Parish supply.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [New Orleans code enforcement](https://www.swbno.org/) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

The rules around water restrictions in New Orleans lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Native Plants

New Orleans encourages native Louisiana landscaping but does not require it. The Parkway Partners program promotes native species for street trees and neutral grounds. Tree removal is regulated under the City Code, with permits required for any tree on public property and large trees on private lots in historic districts.

Key details: : Native landscaping encouraged but not required. : Chinese tallow listed as noxious — do not plant. : Permits required for any work on public right-of-way trees. : Live oaks receive heightened protection citywide. : Historic districts may regulate private tree removal.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [New Orleans code enforcement](https://nola.gov/parks-and-parkways/) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Artificial Turf

Artificial turf is permitted in New Orleans residential yards with no specific square footage cap. Installations in historic districts (French Quarter, Garden District, Marigny, Treme) require HDLC or VCC approval for visible front yards. Turf must allow stormwater infiltration to comply with city stormwater management goals.

Key details: : No citywide square footage cap on artificial turf. : Permeable backing recommended for stormwater compliance. : VCC review required in French Quarter for visible installations. : HDLC review required in most historic neighborhoods. : Rear courtyards generally approved.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [New Orleans code enforcement](https://czo.nola.gov/) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Weed Ordinances

New Orleans requires property owners to keep grass and weeds under 18 inches tall under City Code Sec. 66-285. Violations trigger Department of Sanitation lot abatement, with cleanup costs assessed as a lien on the property. Vacant lots in flood-prone neighborhoods are heavily targeted post-Katrina.

Key details: : Maximum grass and weed height: 18 inches. : Abatement notice gives 10 days to cure. : City lot-cutting costs become a property lien. : Fines up to 500 dollars per violation at BAA hearings. : Owners maintain adjacent neutral ground and right-of-way.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Removal of any tree on the public right-of-way (including the neutral ground and the strip between sidewalk and curb) requires a permit from the New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways. Heritage live oaks and protected trees on private property in certain districts also require permits. Unauthorized removal can trigger fines and a replacement obligation calculated from the appraised value of the lost tree.

Key details: : Right-of-way tree removal needs Parks and Parkways permit. : Heritage trees on private property may also require permit. : Unauthorized removal triggers appraised-value replacement. : Critical root zone protected during construction. : Storm emergency removal allowed but should be documented.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [New Orleans code enforcement](https://nola.gov/next/parks-and-parkways/topics/tree-services/) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

This is one of the stricter rules in New Orleans's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is legal and actively encouraged in New Orleans through Sewerage and Water Board stormwater incentive programs. Rain barrels, cisterns, and bioswales reduce runoff into the city drainage system. Larger systems may qualify for Green Infrastructure grants under the Gentilly Resilience District program.

Key details: : Rain barrels under 660 gallons require no permit. : Cisterns connected to indoor plumbing need permits. : Green infrastructure grants available for larger systems. : Historic districts require HDLC or VCC review for visible tanks. : Harvested water not for drinking without treatment.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [New Orleans code enforcement](https://nola.gov/resilience-sustainability/) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find New Orleans gives residents more flexibility on rainwater harvesting.

The Bottom Line

New Orleans'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 New Orleans is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from New Orleans's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.