Greensboro's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Greensboro, North Carolina, there are 8 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Native Plants

Greensboro adopted a native plants policy in March 2024 requiring 50% native species on city properties. Private property is not regulated.

Key details: Policy Adopted: March 5, 2024. Native Requirement: At least 50% of new city plantings. Applies To: City-owned and maintained properties only. Private Property: Not regulated for native species. First in NC: Greensboro is first NC city with this policy.

The native plants policy is an internal city policy for municipal properties and does not impose penalties on private property owners. Non-compliance on private property is not a violation. However, all landscaping on private property must still comply with the 12-inch vegetation height limit under Chapter 17 of the Code of Ordinances.

Greensboro is more permissive than most cities when it comes to native plants. That said, there are still limits.

Grass Height Limits

Greensboro prohibits grass and weeds over 12 inches under Chapter 17 (Nuisances). Owners get 10 days to mow after notice or face fines starting around $300.

Key details: Code Reference: Chapter 17, Nuisances. Max Grass Height: 12 inches. Notice Period: 10 days to comply. Starting Fine: Approximately $300. Exemptions: Ornamental grasses (pampas, switch, fountain, bamboo).

Initial fines start around $300 and increase depending on the size of the property. If the property owner fails to mow within the 10-day notice period, the city may abate the nuisance and charge the owner for the cost of the work. Repeat offenders face escalating civil penalties.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in Greensboro. NC state law prohibits cities from banning rain barrels or cisterns used for irrigation.

Key details: Legal Status: Fully legal under NC state law. State Law: NC Legislature State Law 243 (2009). Indoor Use: Toilet flushing per NC Building Code Appendix C1. City Authority: Cannot ban; may regulate for health/safety. Typical Barrel: About 60 gallons capacity.

No penalties apply for collecting rainwater. Cities are prohibited by state law from banning rain barrels or cisterns used for irrigation. However, installations must comply with health and safety standards, and systems that become a public nuisance (e.g., standing water attracting mosquitoes) may be subject to nuisance abatement.

Greensboro is more permissive than most cities when it comes to rainwater harvesting. That said, there are still limits.

Tree Trimming

Street trees on Greensboro rights-of-way are city property maintained by the City Arborist at no cost. Private trees are the owner's responsibility.

Key details: Authority: City Arborist, Planning Department. Right-of-Way Trees: City property, maintained at no cost. Private Trees: Owner responsibility. Utility Setback: Understory trees within 20 ft of utility lines. Contact: 336-373-CITY (2489).

Failure to maintain trees that obstruct public sidewalks or roadways may result in a notice from Code Compliance requiring corrective action. The city may trim right-of-way trees at its own discretion to maintain clearance for vehicles and pedestrians.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Greensboro requires tree conservation plans for commercial and multi-family sites under LDO Articles 10 and 12.1. Single-family homes are exempt.

Key details: Code Reference: LDO Articles 10 and 12.1. Applies To: Commercial, retail, and multi-family development. Exemption: Existing single-family residences. Threshold: Tree conservation plan for 1+ acre projects. Contact: City Arborist at 336-373-2150.

Removal of protected trees on commercial, retail, or multi-family development sites without an approved tree conservation plan may result in stop-work orders, required mitigation through replanting or payment into a tree fund, and denial of development permits. Civil penalties may apply for unpermitted clearing on regulated sites.

Water Restrictions

Greensboro enforces tiered outdoor watering restrictions tied to NC drought classifications. Stage 2 limits sprinklers to 10 PM-4 AM on assigned days.

Key details: Water Sources: Lake Townsend, Lake Brandt, Lake Higgins. Authority: NC Drought Management Advisory Council. Stage 2 Sprinklers: 10 PM - 4 AM on assigned days only. Always Prohibited: Watering streets and sidewalks. Handheld Watering: Allowed anytime under most stages.

Violations of mandatory water restrictions may result in warnings for a first offense and escalating fines for subsequent violations. During severe drought stages, the city actively monitors compliance with watering schedules. Persistent violations may result in water service restrictions.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Greensboro actively enforces its water restrictions requirements.

Artificial Turf

Greensboro has no ordinance prohibiting artificial turf on residential properties. No special permit is needed; general nuisance rules apply.

Key details: City Ordinance: No specific artificial turf regulation. Permit Required: No special permit needed for residential use. Drainage: Must not cause drainage issues to neighbors. HOA Rules: May apply separately from city ordinances. Commercial Sites: Subject to LDO Article 10 landscaping standards.

No city penalties apply specifically for installing artificial turf. However, poorly maintained synthetic turf that becomes a nuisance (e.g., harboring standing water or pests) could be subject to enforcement under Chapter 17 of the Code of Ordinances.

Greensboro is more permissive than most cities when it comes to artificial turf. That said, there are still limits.

Weed Ordinances

Weeds over 12 inches are a nuisance under Greensboro Chapter 17. Code Compliance gives 10 days to abate, then fines starting around $300.

Key details: Code Reference: Chapter 17, Nuisances. Height Limit: 12 inches for weeds and noxious vegetation. Notice Period: 10 days to abate. Starting Fine: Approximately $300. Reporting: Call 336-373-2111.

Fines begin around $300 and may increase based on property size and repeat violations. If the property owner does not abate weeds within the 10-day notice period, the city performs the work and bills the owner. Repeated violations within a 12-month period may result in higher civil penalties and potential liens on the property.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Greensboro gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 3 of the 8 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

This guide is based on Greensboro's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.