Landscaping Rules in Kentucky (2026)
19 rules on the books across Kentucky, 5 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.
Lexington
Some RestrictionsStreet trees in Lexington-Fayette's right-of-way must be kept clear of sidewalks and streets, minimum overhead…
Read full rule →Louisville
Some RestrictionsLouisville Metro's tree ordinance makes the abutting property owner responsible for maintaining public trees along…
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.
Kentucky: statewide
StatewideFew RestrictionsKentucky imposes no statewide private tree removal permit requirement, with the Right-to-Farm Act protecting timber…
Read full rule →Lexington
Significant RestrictionsNo one may remove a street tree over 3 inches in diameter from Lexington-Fayette's right-of-way without a permit from…
Read full rule →Campbell County
Some RestrictionsStripping, excavating, filling, or removing trees and other vegetation in unincorporated Campbell County requires a…
Read full rule →Louisville
Some RestrictionsLouisville Metro requires a tree removal permit only on non-residential and multi-family development sites where…
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.
Boone County
Some RestrictionsBoone County caps grass and weeds at eight inches on any non-agricultural lot in a populated part of the unincorporated…
Read full rule →Campbell County
Some RestrictionsCampbell County bars letting weeds go uncut in any zone once they become a public-health menace or drag down…
Read full rule →Daviess County
Some RestrictionsDaviess County caps weeds and grasses at 10 inches on lots within 100 feet of a residential, commercial or professional…
Read full rule →Lexington
Some RestrictionsLexington-Fayette makes it unlawful for any owner to let weeds or grass grow past 10 inches anywhere on a property…
Read full rule →Louisville
Some RestrictionsLouisville Metro caps weeds and grass at 10 inches on improved lots and bans noxious weeds outright, under the Property…
Read full rule →Water Restrictions
Watering schedules, drought restrictions, and limits on outdoor irrigation including which days and times you can water your lawn.
Kentucky: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsKentucky's Division of Water and Public Service Commission oversee drought response, authorizing public water systems…
Read full rule →Boone County
Some RestrictionsBoone County's water utility can trigger mandatory odd-even outdoor watering days when supply runs short. Under County…
Read full rule →Campbell County
Some RestrictionsCampbell County Code § 54.03 lets the Judge/Executive declare four tiers of water-supply conservation when the Northern…
Read full rule →Rainwater Harvesting
Whether you can collect rainwater, how much you can store, and any permits or tank size restrictions for residential rain barrels and cisterns.
Native Plants
Incentives or requirements for using native and drought-tolerant plants in your landscaping, and rules about replacing traditional lawns.
Louisville
Some RestrictionsLouisville Metro lets property owners grow native plantings, meadow vegetation, prairie, or a rain garden above the…
Read full rule →Lexington
Few RestrictionsLexington-Fayette's nuisance code carves out an explicit exemption for native, naturalized landscaping from its weed…
Read full rule →Composting
Rules for backyard composting bins and piles plus curbside organics, bin requirements, allowed materials, setbacks, pest control, and any mandated diversion programs.
Lexington
Some RestrictionsLexington-Fayette regulates backyard compost piles through its general nuisance code. Sec. 12-2 requires every compost…
Read full rule →Louisville
Light RestrictionsLouisville Metro exempts backyard compost piles and bins from facility licensing as long as the material on site stays…
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