Landscaping Rules in Philadelphia, PA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code Section PM-302.4 requires every premises and exterior property to be kept free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 10 inches. Because the code defines weeds to include all grasses, overgrown lawns above 10 inches are a violation enforced by the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
Grass and weeds capped at 10 inches citywide
Heavy RestrictionsPhiladelphia Property Maintenance Code Sec. PM-302.4 (Weeds), enacted by Bill No. 140856
PM-302.4 Weeds. All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 10 inches. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided; however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens.
Tree Trimming
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation has exclusive control of all street trees under Philadelphia Code Section 15-203. A private owner may trim, prune, or remove the street tree abutting their property only after obtaining a permit from the Department, and any contractor doing tree work must hold a Department permit, sign an indemnification agreement, and carry liability insurance. Violations carry a minimum fine of $300 per day.
Permit required to prune or remove a Philadelphia street tree
Heavy RestrictionsPhiladelphia Parks & Recreation Regulations, Chapter IV, Section 401(A) & 401(C) (Aug. 2023); Philadelphia Code Sec. 15-203
The Department has exclusive custody and control of, and responsibility for and power to plant, set out, remove, maintain, protect and care for, street trees on the streets of Philadelphia. See, Philadelphia Code Section 15-203. ... A private property owner may, at the owner's own expense and responsibility, perform maintenance, trimming, and pruning to a street tree along that owner's property...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Under Philadelphia Code Section 14-705(1)(e), heritage trees on a development lot may not be removed unless the applicant replaces them per the tree-replacement standards or obtains a Zoning Board special exception. Healthy trees 2.5-inch DBH or larger removed during development generally must be replaced so the total caliper of replacements equals the total caliper removed.
Heritage trees protected; removal needs replacement or special exception
Heavy RestrictionsPhiladelphia Code Sec. 14-705(1)(e)-(f) (Heritage Trees and Tree Replacement Requirements), per L&I On-Site Landscape and Tree Requirements regulations (Nov. 2022)
(e) Preservation of Heritage Trees. The location, DBH, and species of all existing trees shall be included in a landscape and tree plan. Heritage trees may not be removed from any property unless the applicant meets the standards of Sec. 14-705(1)(e)(.1) or obtains a special exception approval in accordance with Sec. 14-705(1)(e)(.2). ... (f) Tree Replacement Requirements. (.1) Except as set fo...
Weed Ordinances
Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code Section PM-302.4 bars weeds or plant growth over 10 inches and prohibits all noxious weeds. After a Notice of Violation, an owner who fails to cut and destroy the weeds is subject to prosecution, and the City may enter the property, remove the weeds, and charge the cost to the owner.
Weeds prohibited over 10 inches; city abates at owner's cost
Heavy RestrictionsPhiladelphia Property Maintenance Code Sec. PM-302.4 (Weeds), enacted by Bill No. 140856
PM-302.4 Weeds. All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 10 inches. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided; however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens. Upon failure of the owner or agent having charge of a pr...
Water Restrictions
Philadelphia has no permanent calendar or odd/even lawn-watering schedule. Outdoor irrigation is generally unrestricted, but during a Commonwealth drought emergency the Governor of Pennsylvania may prohibit watering lawns, gardens, shrubs, washing vehicles, and filling pools, as the City's Office of Emergency Management explains.
Outdoor watering allowed except during a drought emergency
Some RestrictionsCity of Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, Drought - Drought Emergency restrictions
The governor of Pennsylvania may call for restrictions on non-essential water uses in the event of a drought emergency. During a drought emergency you cannot: Use a hose to clean your vehicles, trailers, or boats. Use water to clean sidewalks, streets, or gutters, unless a public official asked you to do so. Use water for fountains, waterfalls, reflecting pools, or other decorative items. Water...
Rainwater Harvesting
Philadelphia actively promotes rainwater harvesting through the Green City, Clean Waters program and the PWD Rain Check program. Free 55-gallon rain barrels are available to residents. The city's stormwater regulations under Phila. Code §14-704(3) encourage green infrastructure including rain gardens and rainwater collection for non-potable uses.
Philadelphia Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Philadelphia promotes native plant use through its Green City, Clean Waters stormwater program. Rain gardens installed through PWD programs use native species of shrubs, perennials, ferns, and trees. The zoning code §14-705 requires landscape plans for development sites, and PWD stormwater regulations favor vegetation that supports infiltration.
Philadelphia Native Plant & Xeriscape Rules
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Philadelphia does not have a specific ordinance regulating residential artificial turf installation. Artificial turf is not addressed in the zoning code or property maintenance code. However, it does not qualify for PWD stormwater credits since it is impervious, and properties with significant impervious coverage may face higher stormwater fees.
Philadelphia Artificial Turf Regulations
Few RestrictionsLooking for Philadelphia County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Philadelphia city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Philadelphia County →