Landscaping Rules in Fort Smith, AR (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Fort Smith, Arkansas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Grass and weed height in the City of Fort Smith is regulated under Chapter 16 (Nuisances) of the Fort Smith Municipal Code, with a 10-inch maximum on overgrown lots, alleys, easements, and rights-of-way. Authority flows from Arkansas Code A.C.A. §14-54-901+ (municipal weed-abatement authority). After inspection, the City Administrator orders abatement, and if not corrected within seven days, the City may file criminal charges and contract for cutting with costs collected as a property lien.
Fort Smith AR Grass Height and 10-Inch Weed Limit
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Trimming a wholly private tree in Fort Smith generally does not require a City permit. Under Chapter 16 (Nuisances), the City Administrator may order owners to remove dead or dying trees and dead limbs from their property and adjoining easements, rights-of-way, and alleys. The Streets Department maintains trees in the City right-of-way and drainage easements. Arkansas common-law self-help allows trimming a neighbor's overhanging branches up to the property line, subject to timber-trespass liability under A.C.A. §18-60-102 if cuts damage or kill the tree.
Fort Smith AR Tree Trimming and Right-of-Way Maintenance
Few RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Tree removal in Fort Smith is largely unregulated on private property. There is no general permit requirement to remove a tree on a private residential lot in Fort Smith. The Streets Department handles trees in City right-of-way and drainage easements. Dead or dying trees must be removed when ordered by the City Administrator under Chapter 16 (Nuisances). Land-development projects may face additional tree-protection conditions under Chapter 27 (Unified Development Ordinance) and PA-like AR State erosion-control review.
Fort Smith AR Tree Removal Rules
Few RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Weed control in Fort Smith operates at two levels. Locally, Chapter 16 (Nuisances) of the Fort Smith Municipal Code enforces the 10-inch grass-and-weed standard through Neighborhood Services, with abatement authority under A.C.A. §14-54-901+. At the state level, the Arkansas Plant Act (A.C.A. §2-16-101+) and the Nursery Fraud Act (A.C.A. §2-21-101+) administered by the Arkansas State Plant Board declare noxious weeds and certain plant pests a public nuisance, with priority targets including Johnson grass, nut grass, and wild garlic.
Fort Smith AR Weed Ordinance and Noxious Plants
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Fort Smith Utility Department operates a two-phase Water Conservation Plan tied to storage in the combined Lake Fort Smith / Lake Shepherd Springs reservoir on Frog Bayou. Phase I triggers when usable storage drops to 55,000 acre-feet (60%) of the 91,100 acre-foot capacity; Phase II triggers at 36,000 acre-feet (39%). Phase II prohibits lawn watering, fountain operation, pool filling, and most vehicle washing except at licensed commercial car washes on Tuesday and Friday.
Fort Smith AR Water Restrictions and Two-Phase Conservation Plan
Some RestrictionsNative Plants
Fort Smith does not mandate native-plant landscaping on private residential property. The Arkansas Native Plant Society, the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Urban & Community Forestry program provide voluntary guidance. A maintained native or pollinator-habitat planting is distinguishable from neglected vegetation under the Chapter 16 (Nuisances) 10-inch standard. Arkansas's Right to Farm Act (A.C.A. §2-4-101+) provides nuisance protection for established agricultural operations.
Fort Smith AR Native Plants and Voluntary Landscaping
Few RestrictionsComposting
Backyard composting in Fort Smith is permitted and encouraged. The City's Solid Waste Services Department operates a curbside yard-waste program with a free city-issued 96-gallon cart (or resident-supplied 32-gallon bin), collecting grass, leaves, and brush; all material is composted at the Fort Smith Landfill composting facility, which sells finished compost to residents. Branches must be bundled, capped at 18-inch diameter and 50 pounds. Open burning is restricted under Arkansas DEQ Regulation 18 and local fire rules.