Trenton, NJ Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Chapter 38, Brush, Grass and Weeds, defines 'noxious plant' in § 38-1 as any plant likely to harm human health or comfort, naming ragweed, goldenrod, poison oak, poison ivy, and sumac as examples, though the definition is not limited to that list. Section 38-3 declares the growth or existence of any noxious plant on public or private land a nuisance and bars any owner, occupant, or person with control over the parcel from causing or permitting it to grow. Separately, § 38-2 requires brush, hedges, and other plant life within 10 feet of a roadway, or within 25 feet of a street intersection, to be kept cut to no more than two and a half feet, as determined necessary by the Director of the Division of Inspections or the Police Director.

When either standard is violated, § 38-4 requires a written notice to the owner or tenant describing the property and giving 10 days to comply; if the notice cannot be served in person or by mail, § 38-5 allows service by newspaper publication. Under § 38-6, if the owner still does not cut the growth, a City officer does the work and certifies the cost to City Council, which becomes a lien on the property, added to the next tax bill and collected the same way as delinquent taxes. 1E separately lists 'overgrown vegetation, such as high weeds or high grass' as a nuisance on occupied structures and lots.