8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in New York County, New York.
Verified from official government sources
Manhattan has few lawns, but the NYC Administrative Code requires owners to keep lots free of rank weeds, poison ivy, and overgrown grass visible as a public nuisance. No specific height limit applies.
All street trees in Manhattan are owned by NYC Parks. Any trimming of a street tree requires a free Parks Tree Work Permit. Unauthorized pruning can bring fines from 500 to 15,000 dollars.
Removing a street tree in Manhattan without an NYC Parks permit can bring fines of 500 to 15,000 dollars plus restitution. Even dead street trees may only be removed by Parks or a permitted contractor.
Manhattan has no inch-based weed ordinance but enforces nuisance rules under the NYC Admin Code. Owners must remove rank weeds, poison ivy, and overgrowth that harbor pests or trash on lots.
NYC DEP can impose outdoor watering restrictions during drought. Year-round rules prohibit wasting water, and private sprinkler systems must meet NYC Plumbing Code backflow requirements.
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Manhattan. NYC DEP runs a rain barrel giveaway program and offers green infrastructure grants for larger systems. Plumbing code rules apply to potable connections.
Manhattan supports native plantings through NYC Parks, GreenThumb, and DEP stormwater programs. There is no mandate to plant natives on private property, but state-listed invasive species must be avoided.
NYC has no outright ban on artificial turf for residential use, but NYC Parks has restricted new synthetic turf fields citing heat and PFAS concerns. Private Manhattan installs face DEP stormwater rules.
1 cities in New York County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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