Landscaping Rules in Montana (2026)
11 rules on the books across Montana, 3 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.
Billings
Some RestrictionsBillings property owners must keep tree limbs at least 11 feet above sidewalks and 14 feet above streets and alleys.
Read full rule →Bozeman
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Bozeman, Montana, branches overhanging a public street must be trimmed to a minimum clearance of 14 feet…
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.
Billings
Some RestrictionsBillings has no general permit for removing trees on private property, but the city can declare a tree a public…
Read full rule →Bozeman
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Bozeman, Montana, no person can remove a tree or shrub in the public area without first obtaining a…
Read full rule →Yellowstone County
Light RestrictionsYellowstone County has no permit requirement for cutting down a tree on ordinary private land. Its only tree protection…
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.
Montana: statewide
StatewideHeavy RestrictionsMontana's County Noxious Weed Control Act requires every landowner to manage state-listed noxious weeds on their…
Read full rule →Billings
Some RestrictionsBillings bans weeds, grass, and untended vegetation over 12 inches tall on any lot. Owners must cut nuisance growth to…
Read full rule →Bozeman
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Bozeman, Montana, the owner or agent of any lot must cut and destroy weeds and vegetation growing on, in…
Read full rule →Water Restrictions
Watering schedules, drought restrictions, and limits on outdoor irrigation including which days and times you can water your lawn.
Bozeman
Significant RestrictionsIn the City of Bozeman, Montana, spray irrigation of landscapes is limited to three assigned days a week based on the…
Read full rule →Yellowstone County
Some RestrictionsYellowstone County doesn't run an odd/even watering calendar; instead its zoning code regulates how an automatic…
Read full rule →Native Plants
Incentives or requirements for using native and drought-tolerant plants in your landscaping, and rules about replacing traditional lawns.