Landscaping Rules in Lakeland, FL (2026)
3 verified landscaping rules for Lakeland, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Lakeland Code Sec. 38-56 declares any tree, palm or vegetation that grows within five feet of an electric wire a public nuisance, and Sec. 38-57 makes it unlawful for the property owner to let it happen. A companion rule in Sec. 38-54 requires owners to trim back growth that blocks a driver's view at an intersection once the traffic engineer orders it.
Lakeland Tree Clearance Near Power Lines
Some RestrictionsLakeland Code §§ 38-54, 38-56—38-57
The owner or owners of every lot or parcel of land in the city, upon which any tree, shrub or plant is growing, or upon which an obstruction has been duly placed... shall remove the same if such tree, shrub or plant or other obstruction or parts thereof is so situated so as to constitute a traffic hazard by obstructing the view of any driver of any vehicle on the streets of the city... Any part...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Lakeland Code Sec. 38-51 makes it unlawful to plant Australian pine, Turk's Cap, melaleuca or any other invasive growth within 30 feet of a sanitary sewer easement or public way. If such a tree already exists there, the owner gets ten days' written notice from the city manager to remove it before the city removes it and can still prosecute.
Lakeland Invasive Tree Removal Near Sewers
Some RestrictionsLakeland Code §§ 38-51—38-53
It shall be unlawful for the owner or occupant of any lot, parcel or piece of land within the city to plant or cause to be planted or placed within 30 feet of any easement or public way wherein sanitary sewers of the city may be constructed and maintained, Australian Pine plants or trees, Turks Cap plants or shrubs, Melaleuca (Punk Trees) plants or trees, as the same are commonly known in this ...
Weed Ordinances
Lakeland presumes any weeds, undergrowth or dead plant growth over one foot tall on a lot to be a public nuisance under City Code § 86-2(a). Owners must keep their property and the adjoining right-of-way clear of excessive growth, and the city can send written notice, then clear the lot itself and bill the owner or place a lien if the work is not done within seven days.
Lakeland Yard Weed Height Limit
Some RestrictionsLakeland Code § 86-2(a)
The existence of excessive accumulation or untended growth of weeds, undergrowth or other dead or living plant life; or stagnant water, rubbish, garbage, refuse, debris, trash, including, but not limited to, household furnishings, and all other objectionable, unsightly or unsanitary matter upon any lot, tract or parcel of land within this city, be it uncovered or under open shelter, to the exte...
Looking for Polk County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lakeland city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Polk County →