Tilal Al Ghaf landscaping: rules, banned trees and approval
Tilal Al Ghaf landscaping: soft landscaping and hardscaping both need the MAF NOC. Some trees are banned because they damage underground pipes, including the Damas tree and Ficus. We prepare the garden plan and handle the approval.
The short answer
In Tilal Al Ghaf, garden works need the MAF NOC. Soft landscaping covers grass, plants, trees and irrigation. Hardscaping covers canopies, pergolas, gazebos, BBQ counters, recessed seating, water and wall features, planter boxes, decking, paving and tiling. MAF bans some species that damage underground services, including Conocarpus (Damas), Ficus, Nerium, Datura, Thevetia, Ricinus and Jatropha, and recommends climate-appropriate trees such as neem, Tabebuia rosea and Delonix regia.
Official sources: Majid Al Futtaim · Tilal Al Ghaf · Dubai Development Authority · Dubai Municipality
Landscaping and hardscaping works
- Soft landscaping: Grass, plants, trees, irrigation
- BBQ and seating: Counters, recessed seating
- Water features: Ponds, fountains, jacuzzi
- Decking and paving: Tiling and planters
- Shade: Pergolas, gazebos, canopies
- Banned species: Damas, Ficus and more
Documents you will need
- Title deed and owner ID
- Sub-community and home type
- Plans from your handover documents (or we survey)
- Photos
- Contractor trade licence copy
- Scope of work and drawings (we prepare these)
Planting
Banned and recommended plants in Tilal Al Ghaf
From the MAF Home Improvement Guidelines.
| Plant | Approval route | Guides |
|---|---|---|
| Conocarpus (Damas), Ficus Banned | Roots damage pipes and sewage. | — |
| Nerium, Datura, Thevetia, Ricinus, Jatropha Banned | On the MAF prohibited list. | — |
| Neem, Tabebuia rosea, Delonix regia Recommended | Climate appropriate. | — |
| Pongamia, Tecoma stans, Plumeria Recommended | Climate appropriate. | — |
How it works
How to get your garden approved
1. Photos
Send photos and your idea.
2. Check
Against the MAF Home Improvement Guidelines.
3. Drawings
Scope of work and drawings.
4. MAF NOC
Submitted in the Belong app.
5. Works
9am to 5pm, NOC posted on the door.
6. Inspection
Booked in the Belong app, deposit back.
Other questions Tilal Al Ghaf owners ask
Common reasons garden works get comments
- Banned tree species
- Structures closer than 80 cm to the wall
- Shade structures in front of the home
- Works started before the NOC
Planning your garden?
Send photos. We prepare the plan.
Send us three things on WhatsApp:
- Photos of the garden
- Your ideas: BBQ, deck, trees, pool
- Your sub-community and home type
We check the rules and the plant list and get the MAF NOC.
Questions
Tilal Al Ghaf landscaping questions
Do I need approval for landscaping in Tilal Al Ghaf?
Yes. Soft landscaping (grass, plants, trees and irrigation) and hardscaping (canopies, pergolas, gazebos, BBQ counters, seating, water and wall features, planters, decking, paving and tiling) need the MAF NOC.
What is the difference between soft landscaping and hardscaping?
Soft landscaping is grass, plants, trees and irrigation. Hardscaping is built items: canopies, pergolas, gazebos, BBQ counters, recessed seating, water or wall features, planter boxes and garden decking, paving or tiling.
Which trees are banned in Tilal Al Ghaf?
Conocarpus lancifolius (Damas tree), Ficus species, Nerium species, Datura species, Thevetia species, Ricinus communis and Jatropha gossypiifolia, because they can damage underground services such as water pipes and sewage.
Which trees does MAF recommend?
Climate-appropriate trees and shrubs, such as Azadirachta indica (neem), Tabebuia rosea, Delonix regia, Pongamia glabra, Tecoma stans, Plumeria obtusa, Tabernaemontana divaricata and Clerodendrum inerme.
Can I build an outdoor kitchen or BBQ?
Yes, with approval. BBQ counters are hardscaping works and need the MAF NOC.
Can I lay artificial grass or new paving?
Paving, tiling and decking are hardscaping and need the MAF NOC. Grass is soft landscaping and also needs it.
Can I add a water feature or fountain?
Yes, with approval. Jacuzzis, ponds and fountains are listed as works that may be permitted.
How far apart should trees be?
Leave enough space for the branches and roots to spread, and position plants so they can be reached for maintenance.
Can I add a pergola or gazebo in the garden?
Yes: open, no higher than 2.8 m and at least 80 cm from the boundary wall. Gazebos go in the back garden only.
Can my contractor start before the approvals?
No. Every home improvement in Tilal Al Ghaf needs the MAF NOC before work starts, and major works also need the DDA permit. Works carried out without approval get a penalty from Majid Al Futtaim and may have to be removed.
When can the works be done?
Between 9am and 5pm, not on weekends or public holidays. A copy of the MAF NOC must be posted on the front door or wall during the works, and your contractor needs a contractor access permit from the Belong app.
How much does a landscaping project cost in Tilal Al Ghaf?
It depends on the size and the scope. MAF charges an application fee and holds a refundable security deposit, confirmed when you apply. Send us photos and your idea, and we review and advise on our fee for the drawings and approvals.
What do you need from me to start?
Photos, your title deed, the sub-community and home type, and any plans from your handover documents. We tell you what the MAF Home Improvement Guidelines allow and what the submission needs.
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