Ridgewood's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Ridgewood, New Jersey, there are 6 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

Ridgewood prohibits residents from pruning or altering any tree within the public right-of-way in a manner that could reduce its viability or life span.

Key details: Code Chapter: Chapter 260. Adopted: April 9, 2025. ROW Pruning: Prohibited by residents. Contact: Parks/Shade Tree 201-670-5565.

Unauthorized pruning of right-of-way trees may trigger penalties under Chapter 260, including replacement costs and fines.

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

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Ridgewood requires a permit to remove any non-invasive tree eight inches or larger in diameter at breast height, and replacement of every healthy tree taken down.

Key details: Code Chapter: Chapter 260. Permit Threshold: 8 inch DBH or larger. Permit Issuer: Division of Engineering. Replacement: Required or pay-in-lieu.

Removing a regulated tree without a permit results in fines, mandatory replacement, and possible payment-in-lieu under Chapter 260.

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

Composting

Ridgewood requires yard waste to be containerized except during scheduled leaf collection windows, and grass clippings cannot be mixed with brush or leaves.

Key details: Code Chapter: Chapter 275. Storm Drain Setback: 10 feet minimum. Grass Clippings: Separate container required. Compost Site: Lakeview Compost Facility.

Improper containerization or off-schedule curb placement triggers fines under Chapter 275 and possible refusal of collection.

Water Restrictions

Ridgewood Water enforces odd or even address watering days with strict timing rules for sprinklers, hoses, and automatic irrigation systems on all customers.

Key details: Odd Addresses: Tuesday and Saturday. Even Addresses: Wednesday and Sunday. Auto Sprinkler Hours: 3 a.m. to 7 a.m.. Max Fine: $2,000 per violation.

Up to $2,000 per violation per individual block under Chapter 269 enforcement.

Compared to other cities, Ridgewood takes a harder line on water restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Grass Height Limits

Ridgewood requires owners and tenants to keep grass and weeds cut on lands abutting public streets, removing overgrowth within three days after written notice.

Key details: Code Chapter: Chapter 115. Cure Period: 3 days after notice. First Fine: $125. Repeat Fine: Up to $350.

Fine of $125 first offense, $250 second offense, $350 third or subsequent. Village may abate and lien costs.

Weed Ordinances

Ridgewood defines weeds broadly and bans noxious species like poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and ragweed on private property abutting public ways.

Key details: Code Chapter: Chapter 115. Banned: Poison ivy, oak, sumac, ragweed. Cure Period: 3 days from notice. Exemption: Cultivated flower gardens.

First offense $125, second $250, third or more $350, plus Village abatement costs assessed as a lien.

The Bottom Line

Ridgewood is tougher than many cities when it comes to landscaping rules. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Ridgewood, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

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