Landscaping Rules in Rhode Island (2026)
16 rules on the books across Rhode Island, 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.
Cranston
Significant RestrictionsCranston requires written tree warden permission before anyone prunes, cuts, or removes a tree or shrub within any…
Read full rule →Pawtucket
Some RestrictionsOwners of property bordering a Pawtucket street must prune trees so they do not block street lights, sidewalks, traffic…
Read full rule →Providence
Some RestrictionsProvidence property owners must prune trees bordering the street to keep sidewalks, street lights, and traffic sight…
Read full rule →Warwick
Some RestrictionsWarwick puts the duty to prune street-facing trees on the property owner or occupant, not the city: trees bordering a…
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.
Rhode Island: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsRhode Island law protects public shade trees on highway rights-of-way. RIGL 2-14 prohibits removal or substantial…
Read full rule →Cranston
Some RestrictionsCutting, removing, or pruning a tree on a Cranston public way or municipal property requires the tree warden's written…
Read full rule →Pawtucket
Some RestrictionsCutting, damaging or removing a tree during development, redevelopment, razing or renovation in Pawtucket requires a…
Read full rule →Providence
Some RestrictionsProvidence requires a city forester permit before anyone cuts, prunes, or removes a public tree on a street, park, or…
Read full rule →Warwick
Some RestrictionsWarwick bars cutting, damaging or removing trees during development, redevelopment, razing or renovation unless the…
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.
Cranston
Some RestrictionsCranston caps weeds and grass at ten inches on restaurants, stores, motels, and other business, commercial and…
Read full rule →Providence
Some RestrictionsProvidence bans letting weeds or ground cover grow past 12 inches on any lot: the city treats it as a nuisance that can…
Read full rule →Warwick
Some RestrictionsWarwick bars letting weeds or grasses grow past one foot on any house, building or vacant lot visible from a public or…
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.
Composting
Rules for backyard composting bins and piles plus curbside organics, bin requirements, allowed materials, setbacks, pest control, and any mandated diversion programs.
Rhode Island: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsRhode Island's food-waste ban (R.I. Gen. Laws Section 23-18.9-17) requires large organic-waste generators located…
Read full rule →Pawtucket
Some RestrictionsPawtucket runs a mandatory fall composting program: residents must separate leaves and yard waste from regular trash…
Read full rule →Providence
Some RestrictionsProvidence's zoning code requires backyard compost piles to sit at least 5 feet from every lot line and bars them from…
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