Vienna, VA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

The Town of Vienna participates in regional efforts to control invasive plant species that damage Northern Virginia native ecosystems and property values. Under Virginia Code and VDACS regulations, certain noxious weeds are prohibited from sale, propagation, or intentional planting. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Natural Heritage Program maintains a broader Invasive Plant Species list that ranks species by ecological threat. While Vienna does not have a comprehensive private-property invasive removal mandate, its tree preservation and property maintenance rules interact with invasive management in several ways. Running bamboo is singled out for special treatment in Fairfax County and Vienna: under local ordinance and VA Code 3.2-1200 style provisions, property owners may not allow running bamboo to spread onto adjacent properties, and neighbors have legal recourse for removal and damages. Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), host of the spotted lanternfly, is a priority for removal countywide, with Fairfax County Public Works and VDACS offering guidance. English ivy climbing up and killing mature trees is frequently cited as both an invasive and a tree-preservation concern, and volunteer removal events are common in Vienna parks. Japanese stiltgrass, mile-a-minute vine, garlic mustard, wintercreeper, and Japanese honeysuckle are widespread in unmaintained yards. Selling, offering for sale, or knowingly planting a state-listed noxious weed is prohibited. Overgrown lots with invasives may trigger general weed-height enforcement. Residents are encouraged to remove invasives and plant Virginia natives instead. Chemical herbicides used for invasive control must still follow federal and state pesticide rules. Organizations like the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust and Plant NOVA Natives provide removal guidance and native plant lists.