How Savannah Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Savannah maintains 102 local ordinances across all categories, and 8 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Savannah falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Tree Trimming

Savannah strictly protects its iconic live oak trees through a comprehensive tree ordinance. Trees over 12 inches in diameter require city approval for removal. The Park and Tree Commission reviews all tree removal requests in the historic district.

Key details: Live Oaks: Iconic protection. Permit: 12 inch DBH removal. Commission: Park and Tree review. Historic: Stricter standards.

Unpermitted removal: $500 to $5,000 per tree. Replacement planting required. Civil liability for damage to neighbor's trees.

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

Weed Ordinances

Savannah enforces weed and overgrowth ordinances under municipal code. Georgia law O.C.G.A. §41-2-5 authorizes nuisance declarations.

Key details: Enforcement: Complaint-based + proactive. Notice: 7 to 14 days to comply. State Law: O.C.G.A. §41-2-5. Invasive: Kudzu a major concern.

Code violation: $100 to $500. City abatement billed to owner. Liens on property for unpaid abatement costs.

Grass Height Limits

Savannah enforces grass height limits under municipal nuisance ordinance. Georgia law O.C.G.A. §41-2-5 authorizes property nuisance enforcement.

Key details: Max Height: 8 to 12 inches typical. Notice Period: 7 to 14 days. State Law: O.C.G.A. §41-2-5. Abatement: City can mow and bill.

First notice: 7 to 14 days to comply. City abatement: $200 to $500 billed to owner. Lien placed for unpaid abatement.

Water Restrictions

Savannah follows local utility and Georgia EPD water conservation rules. Drought restrictions enforced during water shortages.

Key details: Schedule: Per local utility rules. Times: Before 10 AM or after 4 PM. Drought: EPD declares emergencies. Rain: No watering during rain.

First violation: warning. Second: $100 to $250. Third: $500+. Water service restriction possible during severe drought.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Savannah regulates tree removal on private property through permits and size thresholds. Street trees are city-managed and cannot be removed by residents.

Key details: Permit Threshold: 6 to 12 inch trunk diameter. Street Trees: City-managed only. Replacement: Required for removed trees. Hazardous Trees: Expedited process.

Unauthorized removal: $500 to $10,000 per tree. Replacement planting required. Street tree damage: city restitution costs.

Artificial Turf

Savannah generally permits artificial turf installation with some requirements for drainage, appearance, and base preparation.

Key details: Permits: Usually not required. Drainage: Proper base required. HOA: Cannot ban in many states. Heat: Can reach 150F+ in sun.

Generally no penalties for installation. Non-compliant drainage may require correction. HOA fines may be unenforceable where state law protects turf rights.

The rules around artificial turf in Savannah lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Native Plants

Savannah may encourage or require native and drought-tolerant landscaping. Some areas restrict traditional grass lawns in favor of water-efficient alternatives.

Key details: Xeriscaping: Encouraged or required. HOA: Cannot ban in many states. Rebates: May be available. Invasive Species: Removal may be required.

Varies by jurisdiction. HOA fines for non-compliance may be unenforceable if state law protects xeriscaping rights.

The rules around native plants in Savannah lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Rainwater Harvesting

Savannah allows residential rainwater harvesting. Georgia has no significant state-level restrictions on rainwater collection for personal use.

Key details: Restrictions: None for residential use. Permits: Large systems may need one. Potable Use: Treatment system required. Topic: Rainwater Harvesting.

No penalties for standard residential collection. Large cistern installations without building permit: standard building code violation $100 to $500.

Savannah is more permissive than most cities when it comes to rainwater harvesting. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Savannah gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 3 of the 8 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.

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