Landscaping Rules in Richmond, VA (2026)
4 verified landscaping rules for Richmond, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Richmond regulates tree trimming for street trees and trees in public rights-of-way. Homeowners may trim branches overhanging their property under Virginia common law self-help rule but cannot harm the tree. Trimming of street trees requires a permit from the Department of Public Works Urban Forestry Division.
Landscaping: Tree Trimming
Some RestrictionsRichmond Urban Forestry Division (DPW)
The Urban Forestry Division (UFD) is responsible for planting approximately 1,000 new and replacement trees during the planting season, October 1st through April 15th. In 2025, UFD planted 1,335 trees. UFD maintains approximately 78,300 city-owned trees of more than 80 species. The most common services UFD provides are removal of dead trees and pruning. A tree inspection may be requested by cal...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Richmond Chapter 41 (Trees) requires permits to remove trees in the public right-of-way, on city property, and within the Resource Protection Area buffer along the James River, with replacement obligations enforced by the Urban Forestry Division.
Tree Removal Permits Under Chapter 41
Some RestrictionsRichmond Urban Forestry Division (DPW)
Tree Maintenance or Removal — Permits for maintenance or removal of city trees are issued by the Urban Forestry Division in certain cases free of charge. A tree inspection may be requested by calling the City's Customer Care Center at 3-1-1. Permit Applications: Tree Planting Permit (go.rva.gov/plantacitytree); Permit to remove a city tree; Permit to perform maintenance on a city tree; Approved...
Weed Ordinances
Richmond makes it unlawful for anyone who owns or occupies property to let grass, weeds, or other vegetation grow 12 inches or higher, exempting trees, shrubbery, agricultural plants, garden vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. The Chief Administrative Officer's office enforces the rule, and violations trigger civil penalties that escalate toward a Class 3 misdemeanor for repeat offenders.
Richmond Caps Weeds and Grass at 12 Inches
Some RestrictionsRichmond City Code § 11-105
(a)It shall be unlawful for any person who owns or occupies property within the City to permit any grass, plant, bushes, weeds or any other vegetation 12 inches high or over, other than trees, shrubbery, agricultural plants, garden vegetables, flowers or ornamental plants, to exist on such property. ... (e)Violations of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty, not to exceed $50.00 for ...
Water Restrictions
When Richmond declares mandatory water conservation measures under Code Sec. 28-885, established landscape watering is locked to specific days by address: odd-numbered addresses may water only Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, even addresses and unnumbered lots only Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and watering is banned outright on Mondays, with newly planted landscaping given a ten-day grace period.
Richmond Odd-Even Landscape Watering Restrictions
Some RestrictionsRichmond City Code § 28-885(8)-(9)
(8)Established landscape. Restrict watering as follows:a.Odd property addresses (by last digit of address number): water only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.b.Even property addresses (by last digit of address number) and locations with no address number: water only on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.c.Watering prohibited on Mondays.d.Watering by bucket is unrestricted.(9)New landscape. Wa...