Landscaping Rules in Bloomington, IL (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for Bloomington, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
In the City of Bloomington, anyone who owns a tree on property next to a public street, sidewalk, or right-of-way must trim it so overhanging limbs keep at least nine feet of clearance and do not block streetlights, and must tell the City about any tree in the right-of-way that needs work.
Bloomington Nine-Foot Street Tree Clearance Duty
Some RestrictionsBloomington City Code § 19-106(A)
It shall be the duty of any person growing a tree on property abutting on public areas supporting trees: A. Trim. To trim his trees so as not to cause a hazard to public places or interfere with the proper lighting of public roadways by the streetlights, and so that minimum clearance or any overhanging portion thereof shall be nine feet.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
In the City of Bloomington, no one may trim limbs five inches or more in diameter or remove a tree from a public place, such as a street parkway or park, without first getting a permit from the City Forester, who signs off only when the proposed work and method are found necessary and satisfactory.
Bloomington Public Tree Removal Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsBloomington City Code § 19-105(A)
Preserve or remove. ... No person shall trim any limbs on a tree five inches diameter breast height or greater or remove trees in public places without first filing an application and procuring a permit from the City Forester. ... The City Forester shall issue the permit provided for herein when he finds that the desired action or treatment is necessary and that the proposed method and workmans...
Weed Ordinances
Bloomington caps grass and weeds at eight inches on any property in the city and declares taller growth, plus overgrown or dead vegetation, a public nuisance the owner must correct without waiting for notice.
Grass and Weed Height Limit in Bloomington
Significant RestrictionsBloomington City Code § 21-804
It shall be unlawful for any owner of real estate in the City to permit any grass or plants, other than trees, bushes, flowers, agricultural or other ornamental plants, to grow to a height exceeding eight inches anywhere in the City to the extent that it shall be each owner's responsibility to prohibit such excessive growth, and an owner of any such real estate shall not have to have knowledge ...
Water Restrictions
In the City of Bloomington, landscape watering days are unrestricted until the City Manager proclaims a drought under the Water Emergency Response Ordinance. Once a severe drought is declared, City Code § 27-510 confines lawn and landscape irrigation to Tuesday and Saturday for odd-numbered addresses and Thursday and Sunday for even-numbered addresses, using low-volume hand-held applicators only. Sprinklers, broadcast devices and pool filling are banned outright for the emergency's duration.
Bloomington Drought Watering-Day Restrictions
Some RestrictionsBloomington City Code § 27-510(D)(2)(c)[1][a]-[b]
[a] Use low-volume hand-held applicators only and prohibit sprinklers, other remote broadcast devices, and water runoff in landscape design maintenance. [b] Restrict landscape watering to Tuesday and Saturday for odd-numbered addresses, and Thursday and Sunday for even-numbered addresses.
Composting
Composting is allowed in the City of Bloomington only in an approved bin, using only organic material grown on the same property, and only if kept free of odor. City Code makes each element mandatory rather than advisory.
Backyard Composting Rules in Bloomington
Some RestrictionsBloomington City Code § 21-701, § 21-703, § 21-704
Composting is permitted in the City of Bloomington under the following conditions: A. Compost must be contained in approved bins; B. Compost must consist of approved organic material; C. Compost must be properly maintained; D. Compost must be properly located on property. ... All composting bins shall be placed in rear of property at least three feet from the side and rear property lines screen...