Landscaping Rules in Alexandria, VA (2026)
3 verified landscaping rules for Alexandria, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Alexandria property owners must trim trees, shrubs and other vegetation that overhangs or interferes with a public street, sidewalk or other public property. The City Manager can order corrective trimming within 7 to 30 days, and a serious hazard can be cut back on just four hours' notice.
Alexandria Tree Trimming Over Street, Sidewalk
Some RestrictionsAlexandria, VA City Code Sec. 6-2-21
It shall be the duty of any person growing or permitting to be grown any tree, shrub, plant or other vegetation on private property abutting on or near public property to trim or prune such tree, shrub, plant or other vegetation so it does not and is not likely to interfere with, endanger or cause a hazard to any public street or highway or vehicle or person thereon, any public sidewalk or pers...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Alexandria requires new residential construction that needs a grading plan to preserve or replant enough trees to reach 25 percent canopy cover on the lot under Zoning Ordinance § 7-2200, exercising the state authority in Va. Code § 15.2-961 that lets localities mandate tree canopy through the site-plan process.
Alexandria Development Tree Canopy Rules
Some RestrictionsVa. Code § 15.2-961
B. Any locality may adopt an ordinance providing for the planting and replacement of trees during the development process pursuant to the provisions of this section. C. The ordinance shall require that the site plan for any subdivision or development include the planting or replacement of trees on the site to the extent that, at 20 years, minimum tree canopies or covers will be provided in area...
Weed Ordinances
Alexandria enforces grass height limits under local ordinance. VA Code §15.2-900 authorizes weed and vegetation removal enforcement.
Alexandria Grass Height & Lawn Maintenance
Some RestrictionsVa. Code § 15.2-901 (Locality May Provide for Removal or Disposal of Excessive Grass)
15.2-901 . Locality may provide for removal or disposal of trash and clutter, cutting of grass, weeds, and running bamboo; penalty in certain counties; penalty. A. Any locality may, by ordinance, provide that: 1. The owners of property therein shall, at such time or times as the governing body may prescribe, remove therefrom any and all trash, garbage, refuse, litter, clutter, except on land zo...