Landscaping Rules in Madison, AL (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Madison, Alabama, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
The City of Madison trims tree limbs that extend over city streets on an as-needed basis. Property owners are responsible for trimming shrubs and tree limbs that block sidewalks. The code sets no permit or approval for trimming your own private trees.
Tree Trimming: City Handles Streets, Owners Handle Sidewalks
Some RestrictionsCity of Madison FAQ QID=159 (Public Works Streets Division)
The City of Madison trims tree limbs that extend over city streets on an as-needed basis. Dead trees or those that pose a hazard on city property are removed by Street Maintenance crews. Property owners are responsible for trimming shrubs and tree limbs that block sidewalks.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Madison does not require a permit to remove a tree from an established residential lot. Tree protection applies to new development: the Zoning Ordinance preserves natural vegetation along property lines and gives credit for saving existing trees of at least four-inch caliper on landscaped sites.
No Residential Tree-Removal Permit; Preservation Applies to Development
Some RestrictionsMadison, AL Zoning Ordinance Sec. 7-5-1(G)
Credit for Existing Vegetation. Each existing tree meeting the following criteria may count for one and one-half of the trees required in this section if other landscaping requirements are met: 1. Has a minimum caliper of four inches;
Weed Ordinances
It is a violation to let grass and weeds grow taller than 12 inches on any premises or lot you own within the City of Madison. Code Enforcement handles overgrowth complaints.
Grass and Weed Height Limit in Madison, AL
Some RestrictionsMadison, AL grass & weeds height standard
It shall be a violation for any person to permit grass & weeds to grow to a height in excess of 12 inches on any premises or lot owned by such person within the City.
Rainwater Harvesting
Madison has no ordinance restricting residential rain barrels or rainwater harvesting. The Zoning Ordinance actually encourages low-impact stormwater practices: rain gardens and similar techniques are permitted and can reduce required landscaping, and features like rain barrels may encroach into required setbacks.
Rainwater Harvesting Allowed; Rain Gardens Encouraged
Some RestrictionsMadison, AL Zoning Ordinance Sec. 7-5-1(H)
Rain gardens and low-impact development techniques are encouraged. Where these techniques are incorporated, landscaping may be reduced by up to one third of the required area, pursuant to Planning Commission approval.
Native Plants
Madison does not require homeowners to use native plants. For development sites, the Zoning Ordinance requires living trees, shrubs, or ground cover approved by the City and mandates permanent ground cover on all required landscaped areas, listing suitable species and capping inorganic cover at 10 percent.
No Native-Plant Mandate; Permanent Ground Cover Required
Some RestrictionsMadison, AL Zoning Ordinance Sec. 7-5-3 (Grass or Other Permanent Ground Cover)
Grass or other permanent groundcover shall be installed and maintained on all parts of the required landscaped area... inorganic materials such as pebbles, crushed rock, brick, tile, and decorative pavers; however, inorganic materials shall not make up more than 10 percent of the landscaped area.
Artificial Turf
Madison's Zoning Ordinance prohibits synthetic or artificial material imitating turf, trees, shrubs, or other plants from being used in lieu of the plant materials required for landscaping. This applies to required landscaped areas on development and parking sites, not to a homeowner's personal use of turf.
Artificial Turf Can't Replace Required Landscaping
Some RestrictionsMadison, AL Zoning Ordinance Sec. 7-5-3
Synthetic or artificial material in imitation of trees, shrubs, turf, ground covers, vines, or other plants shall not be used in lieu of plant requirements in this ordinance.
Composting
Madison has no ordinance prohibiting backyard composting, and no permit is required. Compost simply cannot become a nuisance: property-maintenance rules require land to be free of odors, pests, rodents, and unsecured animal manure, and any bin creating a stench or infestation can be ordered abated.
Backyard Composting Allowed If Not a Nuisance
Some RestrictionsMadison, AL Code of Ordinances Sec. 22-97(f)-(g)
All land shall be kept free of noxious or objectionable stench or odors... All land shall be kept free from insect and rodent infestation and noxious pests, or conditions that cause the property to harbor insects, rodents or noxious pests.
Looking for Madison County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Madison city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Madison County →