Landscaping Rules in St. Louis, MO (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for St. Louis, Missouri, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
St. Louis City Property Standards Code (Ord. §11.72) limits grass and weeds to 7 inches maximum on residential and vacant lots. Citizens' Service Bureau (CSB) enforces complaints; unabated lots are cut by Forestry Division at owner expense plus a lien.
landscaping/grass-height
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
St. Louis property owners are responsible for trimming trees on their property that overhang public sidewalks (minimum 8 feet clearance) and streets (14 feet).
Landscaping: Tree Trimming
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
St. Louis street trees (in the public right-of-way between sidewalk and curb) require a permit from the Forestry Division before any trimming or removal under Ord. §22.20. Private yard trees are not regulated except during construction. Illegal street tree removal carries fines up to $500 plus replacement cost.
landscaping/tree-removal
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
St. Louis Ordinance Ch. 11.72 treats noxious weeds and overgrown vegetation as a public nuisance. The 7-inch grass rule extends to all rank weed growth, brambles, and invasive species.
Landscaping: Weed Ordinances
Heavy RestrictionsWater Restrictions
St. Louis has no permanent irrigation schedule. The City Water Division, which draws from the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers via Chain of Rocks and Howard Bend plants, may impose emergency restrictions during drought declarations but none are currently in effect. Missouri follows riparian reasonable use water law.
landscaping/water-restrictions
Few RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and unregulated in St. Louis. Missouri does not restrict private rainwater collection.
Landscaping: Rainwater Harvesting
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Native plant landscaping is allowed in St. Louis. Residents replacing lawn with prairie or pollinator gardens should register the managed planting with the Forestry Division to avoid the 7-inch grass ordinance.
Landscaping: Native Plants
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Artificial turf is permitted on St. Louis residential property with no specific permit required for residential ground-level installations. Historic district properties need Cultural Resources Office review.