Landscaping Rules in Nebraska (2026)
17 rules on the books across Nebraska, 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.
Lancaster County
Some RestrictionsNebraska law requires landowners to trim trees, hedges, and undergrowth along public roads at least once a year when…
Read full rule →Lincoln
Some RestrictionsLincoln's Parks and Recreation Department may trim any street tree without a permit to keep a ten-foot clearance over…
Read full rule →Omaha
Some RestrictionsOmaha property owners must keep tree limbs and foliage trimmed to set minimum heights above streets and sidewalks, with…
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.
Lincoln
Significant RestrictionsAny tree planting, trimming, spraying, or removal along Lincoln streets, parkways, or sidewalks is done by the city…
Read full rule →Omaha
Significant RestrictionsIn Omaha's North Hills overlay district, clearing more than a half-acre of tree canopy in a year requires a special use…
Read full rule →Douglas County
Some RestrictionsUnincorporated Douglas County has no permit to cut down a tree on ordinary property, but subdivisions and site-plan…
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.
Nebraska: statewide
StatewideHeavy RestrictionsNebraska Revised Statute 2-952 places an affirmative legal duty on every person who owns or controls land in the state…
Read full rule →Lincoln
Some RestrictionsLincoln caps weeds and worthless vegetation at six inches on any property, including the abutting half of streets and…
Read full rule →Omaha
Some RestrictionsOmaha bans noxious weeds, grass, or nuisance vegetation 12 inches or taller on any lot, with escalating fines for…
Read full rule →Sarpy County
Some RestrictionsSarpy County has no single countywide lawn-height number. On unincorporated lots, tall growth is handled as a nuisance…
Read full rule →Water Restrictions
Watering schedules, drought restrictions, and limits on outdoor irrigation including which days and times you can water your lawn.
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.
Artificial Turf
Rules about installing synthetic grass, including whether it counts toward water-saving rebates and any HOA or city restrictions.
Composting
Rules for backyard composting bins and piles plus curbside organics, bin requirements, allowed materials, setbacks, pest control, and any mandated diversion programs.
Lancaster County
Some RestrictionsNebraska law lets landfills take yard waste with no conditions only from December 1 through March 31. The rest of the…
Read full rule →Lincoln
Some RestrictionsLincoln lets homeowners compost in residential zones but bans backyard piles within 25 feet of a neighboring dwelling…
Read full rule →Omaha
Some RestrictionsOmaha caps backyard compost bins at 100 cubic feet and sets strict siting, material, and maintenance rules under city…
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