Hawthorne, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Hawthorne addresses weeds and dangerous vegetation through its public-nuisance / property-maintenance provisions rather than a separate seasonal weed-cutting program. The code lists as nuisances: dead, decayed, diseased, or hazardous trees, weeds, ground cover, and other vegetation (or the absence of healthful vegetation) that causes, contributes to, or promotes conditions such as an attractive nuisance, a fire hazard, the creation or promotion of dust or soil erosion, a diminution in property values, or a detriment to public health, safety, or welfare. A property that is not kept substantially clean and free of accumulations - including overgrown, dead, or decayed trees, weeds, or other vegetation - visible from a public right-of-way or a neighboring property with significant adverse visual impact on the neighborhood is likewise a nuisance. Owners have an affirmative duty to keep any tree, shrub, plant, or vegetation on their property in a condition that prevents it from imperiling the life or property of others, being unsafe or hazardous, or impeding traffic on a public way. When the Director determines it is reasonable and necessary to abate an unsafe or hazardous vegetation condition, the city serves the owner a written notice identifying the offending condition and the manner of abatement or correction; every person given such notice must, within seven days, begin the abatement work and prosecute it diligently to completion. If the owner does not comply, the city can abate the condition and recover its costs.