Landscaping Rules in Howell, NJ (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for Howell, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
In Howell Township, no one cuts, trims or removes a living tree of four inches or more DBH in a right-of-way without written permission from the Director of Public Works or administrative officer. Owners who want a roadside tree pruned or removed request the work from the Director, and the Township can order trimming for public safety and bill the owner. Slash must be removed immediately.
Tree Trimming Along Streets and Rights-of-Way in Howell Township
Some RestrictionsHowell Township Code § 188-191E; § 188-192B(2); § 188-197
E. Trees in public highways. ... Where a person desires to control the growth of existing trees on a public highway, street or road or right-of-way by removing them or pruning the trees, then the person shall contact the Director of Public Works and request the work to be performed. ... (2) In the case of public safety affecting public rights-of-way or the flow of vehicular traffic, the Directo...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
In Howell Township, removing trees needs a tree removal permit from the administrative officer unless an exemption applies. The application lists the trees over four inches DBH by species, the permit lasts one year, and a decision comes within 10 calendar days of a complete application. Homestead lots of one to three acres can be cleared up to 100% of the home site area.
Tree Removal Permit Requirements in Howell Township, NJ
Significant RestrictionsHowell Township Code § 188-193A(2)
(2) For the removal of trees not in conjunction with an application for development of property involving minor or major subdivision or site plan, or in any other form of development where the approval of the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment is not required, an application in a form to be established shall be submitted in duplicate to the administrative officer with the application ...
Weed Ordinances
In Howell Township, New Jersey, a general growth of weeds or grass cannot exceed 12 inches under the Property Maintenance Code adopted in Chapter 232. The owner gets written notice with at least 10 days to cut, and the Township can cut the lot and charge the cost to the property as a lien.
Howell Township Weed and Grass Height Limit
Some RestrictionsHowell Township Code § 232-4
302.4 Weeds. The terms "weeds" and "grass," as used herein, shall mean ground covered with grass or lawn and include all weeds, grasses, plants, bushes, poison oak, poison ivy, and other noxious vegetation, except trees, ornamental shrubbery, flowers, garden vegetables, compost piles or other plants or vegetables customarily planted and/or cultivated by farmers or gardeners. A general growth of...
Water Restrictions
Howell Township has no standing watering-day schedule. Chapter 320 lets the Township Manager declare a water emergency, and a declaration orders full or partial curtailment of lawn sprinkling, pool filling and car washing. Violations of the order carry fines of $75, $200 and $300 under § 320-9.
Howell Township Water Emergency Lawn Sprinkling Limits
Light RestrictionsHowell Township Code § 320-3
A declaration of emergency shall specify whether the emergency is one requiring either full curtailment or partial curtailment of nonessential water usage as provided in this chapter. Full curtailment of nonessential water usage shall mean an absolute prohibition of the use of water from the water companies servicing the Township or private wells within the Township for the sprinkling of lawns,...
Native Plants
In Howell Township, a multipurpose recreation and sports complex in the SED Zone must make at least 50% of all plantings species native to the region. Non-native plantings are capped at 50% and must be noninvasive, and fertilization and maintenance follow organic, low-spray or no-spray methods wherever feasible.
Howell Township Native Planting Rule for Sports Complexes
Some RestrictionsHowell Township Code § 188-86.3H(6)
In order to reinforce a sense of place and for ecological benefit, a minimum of 50% of all plantings shall be species native to the region and a maximum of 50% of the plantings may be non-native, noninvasive species. Fertilization and maintenance of plantings shall be as ecologically sustainable as possible, by engaged organic methods and low-spray or no-spray and toxicity protocols wherever fe...