Landscaping Rules in Rockville, MD (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for Rockville, Maryland, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Rockville requires trees, shrubs, hedges and vines be kept pruned so they never block drivers' or pedestrians' sightlines on public streets and sidewalks.
Rockville Tree and Shrub Pruning for Visibility
Some RestrictionsRockville City Code § 5-287 (IPMC § 302.4.1)
302.4.1 Pruning. All trees, bushes, hedges, shrubs, vines and other plant growth shall be kept pruned so as not to obstruct the vision of operators of vehicles traveling upon any public street, road or highway or pedestrians using public sidewalks; constitute a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic; be hazardous to the public health and welfare; or otherwise constitute a detriment to the ne...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Rockville subdivision applicants who cannot fit the required number of lot trees must plant two replacement trees elsewhere in the subdivision for each tree not provided, under the City's Zoning Ordinance.
Rockville Tree Replacement Requirements
Some RestrictionsRockville City Code § 25.12.5.8(b)
An applicant must provide at least one tree on each residential lot per 2,000 square feet or fraction thereof of lot area. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an applicant must not be required to plant more than three trees under this Section. Existing trees on a lot, if properly preserved, count towards this requirement. The Approving Authority may approve a lot with...
Weed Ordinances
Rockville caps weeds and grass on any lot, including the adjacent right-of-way strip, at 10 inches and bans noxious weeds outright under its Property Maintenance Code.
Rockville Weed and Grass Height Limit
Some RestrictionsRockville City Code § 5-287 (IPMC § 302.4)
302.4 Vegetation. Premises and exterior property, including the public right-of-way adjacent to the premises or exterior property, shall be maintained free from weeds in excess of ten (10) inches (254mm). Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants, and vegetation, excluding trees, shrubs, and cultivated flowers, gardens, and planned natural landscaping. Noxious weeds shall be prohibited.
Water Restrictions
Rockville's City Manager can declare mandatory water restrictions during a shortage or drought that ban using hoses or sprinklers to water lawns, shrubbery, trees, and gardens citywide.
Rockville Lawn Watering Restrictions
Significant RestrictionsRockville City Code § 24-6
(a)In the event of a water shortage, drought, emergency, or operational condition, the City Manager may declare system-wide water restrictions. ... Restricted use or absolute curtailment of water use for certain nonessential use include:(1)The use of hoses, sprinkler, or other means for sprinkling or watering of shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, plants, vines, gardens, vegetables, flowers, or any...
Composting
Rockville allows residential compost piles for yard waste and non-animal food scraps only if fully rodent-proofed; piles made entirely of leaves and dirt are exempt from that requirement.
Rockville Compost Pile Rules
Some RestrictionsRockville City Code § 5-287 (amending IPMC § 308.3.2)
308.3.2 Disposal by use of compost piles. The use of compost piles for the disposal of organic materials, such as yard waste or non-animal food scraps, is permitted only when the pile is completely rodent proofed. Exception: Compost piles consisting entirely of leaves and dirt do not require rodent proofing.
Looking for Montgomery County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Rockville city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Montgomery County →