Landscaping Rules in Delaware (2026)
14 rules on the books across Delaware, 4 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Tree Trimming
Rules about trimming trees that overhang sidewalks, streets, or neighboring properties, and when you need permission to prune city trees.
New Castle County
Some RestrictionsNew Castle County requires owners to keep shrubbery off sidewalks and streets and trim tree branches to at least 7 feet…
Read full rule →Wilmington
Some RestrictionsProperty owners along Wilmington streets must prune and maintain any tree on or overhanging the public right-of-way…
Read full rule →Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Permit requirements for removing trees on private property, protected and significant tree thresholds, replacement planting standards, and the penalties for unpermitted removal.
Kent County
Significant RestrictionsKent County's subdivision ordinance requires Regional Planning Commission approval before any developer clears land…
Read full rule →Sussex County
Significant RestrictionsSussex County doesn't require a permit to cut a tree in your own yard, but § 99-21G bars removing or damaging trees…
Read full rule →New Castle County
Some RestrictionsRemoved specimen trees on development sites must be replaced under a size-based table, from 5 to 12 replacement trees…
Read full rule →Wilmington
Some RestrictionsRemove a Wilmington street tree under a city permit and you must grind the stump, haul the wood, and plant a…
Read full rule →Weed Ordinances
Requirements to keep weeds and grass below a set height, the numeric limits (commonly 8 to 12 inches), abatement notices, and the liens cities can place after mowing it themselves.
Kent County
Some RestrictionsKent County makes it a public nuisance to let weeds, underbrush or other noxious growth reach 12 inches or taller on…
Read full rule →New Castle County
Some RestrictionsNew Castle County caps weeds and grass at 8 inches on developed parcels, with a 20-foot buffer rule for larger lots and…
Read full rule →Sussex County
Some RestrictionsSussex County's Housing Code caps weeds and plant growth on residential lots at 12 inches. Section 71-11G requires…
Read full rule →Wilmington
Some RestrictionsWilmington caps weeds and grass at eight inches on private lots and four inches in curb and sidewalk cracks along…
Read full rule →Water Restrictions
Watering schedules, drought restrictions, and limits on outdoor irrigation including which days and times you can water your lawn.
Native Plants
Incentives or requirements for using native and drought-tolerant plants in your landscaping, and rules about replacing traditional lawns.
Composting
Rules for backyard composting bins and piles plus curbside organics, bin requirements, allowed materials, setbacks, pest control, and any mandated diversion programs.
New Castle County
Light RestrictionsResidents may compost or mulch yard and kitchen waste generated on their own property as a by-right accessory use, but…
Read full rule →Sussex County
Few RestrictionsSussex County sets no bin, setback or size standard for composting. Code § 115-191.1B(1) instead excludes an orderly…
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