Landscaping Rules in Henrico County, VA (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Henrico County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Ordinary trimming of your own trees is not regulated in Henrico. Routine and seasonal pruning is expressly exempt from the county tree-protection standards, and single-family homes on individual lots are exempt from the landscaping division entirely.
Tree Trimming and Pruning in Henrico County
Some RestrictionsHenrico County Code § 24-5302.B.2
In addition to the exemptions in subsection 1 above, the following are exempt from the standards of Sec. 24-5313, Tree Protection: (a) Routine or seasonal pruning in accordance with Sec. 24-5306, Maintenance...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
A tree removal permit is required before removing a 'protected tree' on regulated development in Henrico, but single-family homes on individual lots are exempt. The Planning Director issues permits under Sec. 24-2313.
Henrico County Tree Removal Permits
Some RestrictionsHenrico County Code § 24-2313.B
Approval of a tree removal permit in accordance with the procedure and standards in this section is required prior to the removal of a protected tree..., unless the removal is exempted by Sec. 24-5302.B, Exemptions, or is shown on a tree protection plan approved as part of a construction plan...
Weed Ordinances
Henrico County caps grass and weeds at 12 inches on developed property within 150 feet of adjacent property and public streets. Taller growth is a nuisance the county can cut and bill you for after one written notice per season.
Grass & Weeds Capped at 12 Inches Near Neighbors
Some RestrictionsHenrico County Code § 10-136(a)
If the owner of any developed property permits weeds more than 12 inches in height within 150 feet of adjacent property and public streets, such weeds will constitute a nuisance.
Water Restrictions
When Henrico declares mandatory public water restrictions, County Code § 23-265 sets a strict odd/even watering schedule for lawns and landscaping, bans fountains and vehicle washing, and limits golf courses and athletic fields to set hours. Violators face escalating fines up to $100 per offense, added straight to the water bill.
Henrico Mandatory Watering-Day Restrictions
Significant RestrictionsHenrico County Code § 23-265
During mandatory public water restriction periods, the use of the public water system is limited as follows: ... (5) Established landscaping. Watering is limited to three days per week by address. Addresses ending in an odd number may water only on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Addresses ending with an even number, or with no number, may water only on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. No watering...
Native Plants
Henrico does not require native plants in ordinary yards, but land inside a Chesapeake Bay Resource Protection Area must keep a vegetated buffer at least 100 feet wide. New lawn areas and clear-cutting are prohibited in that buffer.
Native Plants and Chesapeake Bay Buffers
Some RestrictionsHenrico Environmental Compliance Manual § 6.3.1 (Sec. 24-106.3)
A vegetated buffer area no less than 100 feet in width located adjacent to and landward of the components listed in subsections a. through d. above, and along both sides of any water body with perennial flow. The full buffer area shall be designated as the landward component of the RPA.
All Henrico County ordinances
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