Landscaping Rules in Boise, ID (2026)
6 verified landscaping rules for Boise, Idaho, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Boise requires property owners to prune tree branches overhanging streets and sidewalks for sufficient vertical clearance, whether the tree stands on public right-of-way or on private property.
Boise Tree Trimming Over Streets
Some RestrictionsBoise City Code § 7-2-8
Branches that overhang sidewalks or streets shall be pruned to provide sufficient vertical clearance over the sidewalk and street so as not to interfere with public travel; 3. Control of pests on trees located on the owner's private real property which may, upon determination by the City Forester, pose a threat to public trees; 4. Removal of all debris (wood, branches and leaves...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Boise requires a free permit from the City Forester before anyone plants, prunes, removes, or otherwise disturbs a public tree, including parkway trees adjacent to private lots.
Boise Public Tree Removal Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsBoise City Code § 7-2-9
No person may perform any of the following acts without first obtaining from the City Forester a permit for which no fee shall be charged... 2. Prune, cut, remove or otherwise disturb any public tree...; 4. Dig, trench, excavate or pile soil or any other materials within the critical root zone of any public trees; 5. Prune or remove any elm tree on or within public or private property.
Weed Ordinances
Boise requires owners to cut weeds, grass, and vines that pose a fire hazard, with a 12-inch height trigger, or the fire code official can abate the hazard and bill the cost to the property.
Boise Weed & Vegetation Height Limit
Some RestrictionsBoise City Code § 5-12-16
Weeds, grass, vines or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the premises. When weeds, grass, vines or other growth are over 12 inches in height and is determined by the fire code official to be a fire hazard, the owner or owner's representative shall be notified of the hazard by certified mail or in per...
Water Restrictions
Under Boise City Code Title 1, Chapter 17, the Mayor can declare a drought emergency and issue a mandatory reduction order that sets required watering days and times for irrigation. Orders escalate from advisory to voluntary to mandatory reduction to mandatory cessation depending on the U.S. Drought Monitor category for Ada County.
Boise Mandatory Drought Watering Restrictions
Significant RestrictionsBoise City Code § 1-17-7(C)
C. Mandatory Reduction Order: The Mayor may enact a mandatory reduction order, providing specific activities required to reduce potable water use. 1. The order shall establish mandatory watering days and times for irrigation purposes. 2. The order should include a target for potable water use reduction, and include specific activities applicable to commercial, domestic, and recreationa...
Native Plants
Boise's development landscaping code lets a site's undisturbed natural areas count toward landscaping and requires new plantings to favor native and low-water-use species over turf.
Boise Native Plant Landscaping Allowance
Some RestrictionsBoise City Code § 11-04-09.3.C(1)
Any part of a site not used for buildings, parking, driveways, walkways, utilities, or approved storage areas shall be retained or reclaimed to its natural state such that it is free of dust and noxious weeds or landscaped pursuant to the standards in this Section 11-04-09. (2) Plants, walls, fences, buffering, and screening, located on adjacent properties do not satisfy landscape re...
Composting
Boise's curbside compost program is optional: sign up for a gray cart with a green lid. Meat, dairy, oils and even bags labeled compostable are barred, and branches must be under 4 feet, under 60 pounds and bundled.
Boise Residential Curbside Compost Rules
Light RestrictionsBoise City Code § 10-4-2-5
A. Voluntary Service: Residential curbside composting is a voluntary service available to all residential properties. Residential customers who choose to participate in the composting program shall be provided with a gray wheeled cart with a green lid. ... C. Excluded Materials: All other materials are excluded from the compost program. Specific examples include meat eating animal wastes, meats...
Looking for Ada County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Boise city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Ada County →