Landscaping Rules in Des Plaines, IL (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Des Plaines, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Des Plaines City Code prohibits grass and weeds from exceeding 8 inches in height on residential and commercial property. Property owners receive notice to mow, after which the city may abate at owner expense.
Des Plaines Grass and Weed Height Limits
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Des Plaines requires property owners to maintain trees so that branches do not obstruct sidewalks, streets, or sight lines. Parkway trees between the sidewalk and curb are city-owned and must not be pruned by residents without permission.
Des Plaines Tree Trimming and Maintenance Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Street trees in Des Plaines are city-owned and require authorization for removal or trimming. Private property trees may require a permit for protected species. Contact Public Works.
Des Plaines Tree Removal Regulations
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Des Plaines prohibits weeds and rank vegetation over 8 inches and requires control of noxious weeds listed under the Illinois Noxious Weed Law (505 ILCS 100). Property owners must remove or treat designated noxious species.
Des Plaines Weed and Noxious Plant Rules
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Des Plaines receives Lake Michigan water through the Northwest Water Commission and enforces seasonal lawn watering restrictions during summer months. Sprinkling is typically restricted to odd/even days or specific hours per IDNR Lake Michigan allocation rules.
Des Plaines Water Use and Lawn Watering Restrictions
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater collection in rain barrels and cisterns is permitted in Des Plaines under the Illinois Rainwater Harvesting Act (415 ILCS 56). Collected water must be used for non-potable purposes such as landscape irrigation, with proper backflow prevention if connected to plumbing.
Des Plaines Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Des Plaines allows native plant gardens and natural landscaping as alternatives to traditional turf lawns, provided they are intentional, maintained, and do not include noxious weeds. Owners should document the planting plan to avoid weed-height citations.
Des Plaines Native Plant and Natural Landscaping Rules
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Des Plaines does not specifically prohibit artificial turf in residential yards, but installations should be limited in front yards under aesthetic standards and must comply with stormwater drainage requirements. Permits may be required for large installations.
Des Plaines Artificial Turf Rules
Few RestrictionsLooking for Cook County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Des Plaines city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Cook County →