Landscaping Rules in Lakewood, WA (2026)
4 verified landscaping rules for Lakewood, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
A significant tree in Lakewood, defined as 9 inches or more in diameter, cannot be removed without a tree removal permit under LMC 18A.70.320(D). Lots under 10,000 square feet in single-family zones are exempt, and removed trees generally must be replaced at a 2-to-1 diameter ratio.
Tree Removal Permit Rules in Lakewood, Washington
Significant RestrictionsLMC 18A.70.310(A); 18A.70.320(A)(1)(a), (D), (I)(1)(a)
A. Lots of less than ten thousand (10,000) square feet in single-family residential zones are exempt from this chapter, except: ... 1. A significant tree is an existing tree which: a. When measured at four and one-half (4.5) feet above ground, has a minimum diameter of nine (9) inches for evergreen trees and deciduous trees; ... ... D. Tree Removal Permit Required. Approval is required prior to...
Weed Ordinances
Lakewood, Washington caps weeds, brush and grass at an average height of 15 inches under LMC 8.52.010, and bans any uncontrolled vegetation that obstructs sightlines on streets and sidewalks or creates a fire hazard. The City Manager can grant a variance for rural-feeling properties where overgrowth is not visible from neighbors, and violators face a civil fine of up to $500.00 per day.
Lakewood WA Weed & Tall Grass Height Limit
Some RestrictionsLMC § 8.52.010(A)(4), (B)
It is unlawful for any person to permit or allow weeds or vegetation to become uncontrolled on any property within the City over which he or she has ownership, occupancy or control. ... ... 4. Any accumulation of weeds, brambles, berry vines, or other vegetation which is over-growing any structure or which exceeds an average height of 15 inches. It is provided, however, that the City Manager or...
Native Plants
Lakewood's landscaping code encourages, but does not itself mandate, native and drought-tolerant plants. LMC 18A.70.180 sets out water-conservation guidelines favoring plants native to the Pacific Northwest, while a companion section, LMC 18A.70.140(B)(7), separately requires their use in every required landscape design plan.
Native Plant Landscaping Guidelines in Lakewood, WA
Few RestrictionsLMC 18A.70.180(A), (B)(3)
The intent of a plant material guideline is to encourage use of plants native to the Pacific Northwest and introduced plants common to the Pacific Northwest, in that order, in order to maximize use of rainwater, to reduce general maintenance needs and to encourage the development of landscape designs reflective of our natural surroundings. ... ... 3. Plant Types. Applicants are encouraged to ut...
Composting
Lakewood, Washington exempts small compost piles from its public nuisance rules under LMC 8.18.010(A): a pile stays legal only if it is under four feet tall, no more than six feet across at ground level, at least 30 feet from any dwelling, and at least four feet from a neighboring property line.
Lakewood WA Backyard Compost Pile Standards
Light RestrictionsLMC § 8.18.010(A)
The following shall not constitute public nuisances: A. Compost piles less than four feet in height and six feet in diameter at ground level, and 30 feet or more from any dwelling, and four feet or more from adjoining properties;
Looking for Pierce County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lakewood city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Pierce County →