Landscaping Rules in Bowling Green, KY (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Bowling Green, Kentucky, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Bowling Green has adopted the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) under Chapter 27 of the Code of Ordinances. IPMC Section 302.4, as amended locally, designates 10 inches as the maximum height of weeds or plant growth on properties in the City — except parcels used for agricultural purposes. Crops, trees, bushes, flowers, and other ornamental plants are excluded from the height measurement; the property owner is responsible for grass on their lot and into the adjacent right-of-way (property line to curb).
Bowling Green 10-Inch Grass & Weed Height Limit (IPMC 302.4)
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Bowling Green Code of Ordinances Chapter XXVI § 26-7 (Vegetation Maintenance) requires that any and all pruning of a PUBLIC tree comply with the ANSI A300 (Part 1)-2001 Pruning standard. Trees that grow over a public right-of-way must be maintained so the lowest limb is at least 15 feet above the right-of-way. Property owners may not allow vegetation to obstruct sidewalks, streets, or sight lines. Pruning of private trees on private property is not regulated by the City — but Kentucky follows the 'Massachusetts Rule' on overhanging branches.
Bowling Green Tree Trimming — Ch. XXVI § 26-7 (ANSI A300 + 15-ft Clearance)
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Bowling Green Code § 26-8 (Tree Removal) states: 'No person shall remove, cut above the ground or disturb any public tree without approval of the City of Bowling Green except to perform routine maintenance.' Requests for approval go through the City. Removal must include the entire tree and stump, refill the area with soil, re-seed or replant, cause no damage to City or third-party property, and be performed safely. Removal of trees on private property by the owner is not regulated by the City — Kentucky has no statewide private-tree protection law.
Bowling Green Tree Removal — Ch. XXVI § 26-8 (Public Trees Require City Approval)
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Bowling Green enforces nuisance vegetation through Chapter 27 (Property Maintenance) — the City's adopted 2015 International Property Maintenance Code — specifically IPMC § 302.4, which declares any weeds or plant growth, including grass, in excess of 10 inches to be a nuisance. Crops, trees, bushes, flowers and other ornamental plants are excluded. The owner is responsible to the curb line, including the right-of-way. Citations go to the Bowling Green Code Enforcement and Nuisance Board (Code § 2-21).
Bowling Green Weed & Nuisance Vegetation — IPMC 302.4 (10" Max)
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Bowling Green Municipal Utilities (BGMU) supplies water to City customers and many Warren County customers via the Barren River intake. BGMU does not impose mandatory year-round watering schedules. The utility encourages voluntary conservation — water during cool parts of the day, check irrigation for over-spray onto pavement, fix leaks. Kentucky has no statewide watering restriction. Mandatory restrictions are reserved for declared drought conditions or system emergencies under the BGMU Rules and Regulations.
Bowling Green Water Use — BGMU Conservation (No Mandatory Restrictions)
Few RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Kentucky imposes no state-level restriction on residential rainwater harvesting. Bowling Green has no ordinance prohibiting or restricting rain barrels or cisterns for residential use. Rainwater harvesting is encouraged in Bowling Green's karst environment because every gallon captured is a gallon that does not enter the karst stormwater system carrying yard chemicals. The City's Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual (§ 21-2 of the Code) treats rainwater harvesting as a credited stormwater BMP.
Rainwater Harvesting in Bowling Green — Allowed (Karst-Friendly)
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Bowling Green has no City ordinance restricting native, drought-tolerant, or pollinator-friendly landscaping on private property. The Bowling Green Community Tree Advisory Board (Code § 26-4) publishes a 'Right Tree, Right Place' guide and an Invasive Plants list that actively encourages native species. The City's 10-inch height rule (IPMC § 302.4) excludes 'trees, bushes, flowers or other ornamental plants,' so intentional native and pollinator gardens are compatible with the property maintenance code.
Native Plants in Bowling Green — Encouraged by Tree Advisory Board
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Bowling Green has no ordinance prohibiting artificial turf on residential property. No City permit is required to install synthetic turf on a private lot. The City-County Joint Zoning Ordinance (Article 4.6.8) requires LIVE plant material — not synthetic turf — to satisfy required Vehicle Use Area (VUA) landscape buffers and interior parking-lot landscaping at commercial sites. HOA covenants may impose private restrictions independent of City rules.
Artificial Turf in Bowling Green — Allowed; HOA & Zoning Govern
Few RestrictionsLooking for Warren County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bowling Green city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Warren County →