Landscaping Rules in Birmingham, AL (2026)
4 verified landscaping rules for Birmingham, Alabama, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Birmingham requires tree limbs and trimmings to be properly hauled away and not left in yards; work on public/street trees and tree-protection plans is governed by the City's zoning ordinance (Appendix D, updated 2024).
Tree Trimmings Must Be Hauled; Public Trees Need a Permit
Some RestrictionsCity of Birmingham, Code Enforcement Resource Guide (Mar. 2026), 'Here's how you can help' and 'Code Enforcement - Divisions'
Make sure tree removal and building contractors are properly hauling away tree limbs and construction debris from renovation projects. ... Junk, auto parts, furniture, trash, tires, building materials, tree trimmings and any other debris cannot be left in the yard and must be disposed of properly.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Birmingham bars anyone from cutting down, destroying, removing, stealing or injuring, without proper authority, a shade or ornamental tree, plant or shrub standing in a public street or square, or in the yard or ground of the city or of any individual resident. It protects trees on public land and on someone else's private property; it is not a homeowner permit system for removing your own tree.
Birmingham Ban on Removing Trees Without Authority
Some RestrictionsBirmingham Code of Ordinances § 6-5-1
No person shall, without proper authority, willfully or maliciously cut down or destroy or remove, steal or injure any tree, plant or shrub, planted or preserved for shade or ornament in any public street or square or in any yard, ground or park belonging to the city or to any individual inhabitant of the city, or remove therefrom any substance, earth, dirt or turf.
Weed Ordinances
Birmingham Code section 11-8-8(c) makes it unlawful to let weeds, shrubs, grass or other vegetable growth on an uncultivated lot exceed ten inches, and Alabama Code section 11-67-60 lets any municipality declare overgrown grass or weeds a public nuisance and abate it. The city's Environmental Code Enforcement Division enforces both through Birmingham's Environmental Court.
Overgrown Weeds Are a Public Nuisance (Over 10 In.)
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Birmingham, Code Enforcement Resource Guide (Dept. of Planning, Engineering & Permits, Mar. 2026), 'Code Enforcement - Divisions'
Environmental Code Enforcement is responsible for inoperable and/or derelict vehicles through the use of Environmental Police Officers. Also, overgrown vegetation of grass and weeds in the front and rear yard of residential/dwelling and commercial properties. Junk, auto parts, furniture, trash, tires, building materials, tree trimmings and any other debris cannot be left in the yard and must be...
Water Restrictions
Birmingham has no permanent municipal lawn-watering ordinance. Outdoor watering limits are set by the Birmingham Water Works Board through voluntary drought-stage advisories tied to reservoir conditions.
No Permanent City Watering Ban; BWW Issues Drought Stages
Few RestrictionsBirmingham Water Works Board, Stage 2 Drought Watch voluntary watering schedule
Addresses ending in an even number should water established lawns and landscaping on Mondays and Thursdays. Addresses ending in an odd number should water established lawns and landscaping on Tuesdays and Fridays. No watering should be done between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. New lawns and landscaping exempt from day of the week watering restrictions for the first 30 days after installation.
Looking for Jefferson County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Birmingham city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Jefferson County →