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Landscaping Rules in Fairfax County, VA (2026)

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Fairfax County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Once a tree in Fairfax County is designated heritage, memorial, specimen or street tree, it can only be removed with Board of Supervisors approval, and unauthorized removal draws a $2,500 civil penalty.

Fairfax County Designated Tree Removal Rules

Significant Restrictions

Fairfax County, VA, Code of Ordinances § 120-4-1(a)

In the event that the Board of Supervisors permits the removal of such trees designated under this Chapter, the Board may require replacement of trees in accordance with the recommendation of the Urban Forester and in accordance with the replacement methodology identified in the Fairfax County Public Facilities Manual.(b)A property owner shall undertake reasonable efforts to preserve and protec...

Weed Ordinances

Fairfax County caps grass and lawn growth on developed residential parcels under half an acre at 12 inches, with the Department of Code Compliance enforcing violations through posted notices and a $100 civil penalty.

Fairfax County 12-Inch Grass Height Limit

Some Restrictions

Fairfax County, VA, Code of Ordinances § 119-3-1(a)

It is unlawful for any owner of any developed residential parcel which is less than one-half acre (21,780 square feet) to permit the growth on any grass or lawn area to exceed 12 inches in height.(b)Undeveloped Residential Property: It is unlawful for any owner of any undeveloped residential parcel which is less than one-half acre (21,780 square feet) and which is located within a recorded subd...

Water Restrictions

Fairfax County sets no routine lawn-watering schedule. Chapter 113 of the County Code restricts outdoor watering only after the County Executive determines a water shortage emergency exists and the Board of Supervisors so finds. Under a Stage II order, shrubs, trees, lawns, grass, and other vegetation may be watered only from a container holding three gallons or less.

Fairfax County Emergency Watering Limits

Light Restrictions

Fairfax County, VA, Code of Ordinances Section 113-1-3(e)(1)

Stage II. Assuming that very limited supplies of water are available, the County Executive is authorized to order restricted use or absolute curtailment of less essential uses of water including but not limited to one or more of the following:(1)Watering of shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, plants, or any other vegetation, except from a watering can or other container not exceeding three (3) gall...

Rainwater Harvesting

Fairfax County's stormwater ordinance encourages rainwater and stormwater harvesting for irrigation, fire protection and toilet flushing, so long as systems meet applicable regulations.

Fairfax County Encourages Stormwater Harvesting

Few Restrictions

Fairfax County, VA, Code of Ordinances § 124.1-4-7 (Stormwater Harvesting)

Section 124.1-4-7. - Stormwater Harvesting. In accordance with Va. Code § 62.1-44.15:28, stormwater harvesting is encouraged for the purposes of landscape irrigation systems, fire protection systems, flushing water closets and urinals, and other water handling systems to the extent such systems are consistent with federal, state, and County regulations.

Composting

Fairfax County zoning bars residential composting from the front yard entirely, even on the large lots where other accessory structures are allowed there. Subsection 4102.7.A(6)(a) treats composting as the one accessory use categorically excluded from every front-yard exception, unlike gardening, which may sit within 15 feet of the front lot line.

Fairfax County Bans Front-Yard Composting

Light Restrictions

Fairfax County, VA, Zoning Ordinance § 4102.7.A(6)(a)1, (a)3.c

Unless otherwise specified, freestanding accessory structures, such as sheds, garages, gazebos, and treehouses and other recreational equipment, must comply with the following standards: (a) Location in Front Yard 1. On a lot that is larger than 36,000 square feet, accessory structures, except for composting, may be located in the front yard but may not be located in the minimum front setback a...

Landscaping Rules by City in Fairfax County

3 cities in Fairfax County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

All Fairfax County ordinances

See every category we cover for Fairfax County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Fairfax County Ordinance Hub →