Landscaping Rules in Matthews, NC: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Matthews or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Matthews has 8 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.
Tree Trimming
Matthews has a strong tree protection ordinance. Pruning on private property is allowed, but trimming street trees or protected trees requires coordination with the Town arborist.
Key details: Protected Tree: 30+ inch specimen. Private Trees: No permit for routine. Street Trees: Public Works approval. Damage: Replacement required.
Damage to a protected tree: replacement at 1:1 to 3:1 ratio or mitigation fee based on trunk diameter. Unauthorized street tree work: citation by Public Works.
Artificial Turf
Matthews generally permits artificial turf on private residential lots. Stormwater and UDO standards require permeable edges or drainage to prevent runoff issues.
Key details: Allowed: Residential lots yes. Drainage: Must not impact neighbor. Lot Coverage: May count as impervious. HOA: Check covenants.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The rules around artificial turf in Matthews lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Matthews requires permits to remove specimen or protected trees. UDO tree save rules protect canopy; removal of large healthy trees often triggers mitigation plantings or fees.
Key details: Permit: Required for specimen trees. Threshold: 30 in DBH typical. Hazard Trees: Document with photos. Replacement: 1:1 to 3:1 ratio.
Unpermitted removal of a protected tree: civil penalty plus replacement cost. Fines commonly start around 500 dollars per tree.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Matthews actively enforces its tree removal & heritage trees requirements.
Native Plants
Matthews supports native Piedmont plantings. The UDO landscape standards favor drought-tolerant natives, and residential native-plant yards are permitted if maintained.
Key details: UDO Support: Natives encouraged. Region: Piedmont species. Natural Yards: Permitted if maintained. HOA: May restrict further.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The rules around native plants in Matthews lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in North Carolina. Matthews encourages rain barrels and cisterns for irrigation. No permit needed for simple residential barrels.
Key details: Legal Status: Fully allowed statewide. Small Barrels: No permit. Large Cisterns: Permit over 5,000 gal. Indoor Plumbing: Plumbing permit required.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Matthews is more permissive than most cities when it comes to rainwater harvesting. That said, there are still limits.
Weed Ordinances
Matthews treats overgrown weeds as a public nuisance along with tall grass, enforced by Code Enforcement with the same 12-inch trigger and abatement process.
Key details: Trigger: 12 inch height. Nuisance: Noxious or invasive included. Natural Yards: Possible exemption if managed. Abatement: Town cuts and bills.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Water Restrictions
Matthews is served by Charlotte Water. Year-round efficient irrigation rules apply; during drought, Charlotte Water implements tiered restrictions on outdoor watering days and hours.
Key details: Utility: Charlotte Water. Stages: Four-level plan. Hours: No 10 AM - 6 PM watering in drought. Fines: 100 dollar start.
Drought violations: typically 100 dollar first offense, 250 dollars second, with possible service disconnect for chronic violators.
Grass Height Limits
Matthews limits grass and weeds to 12 inches on occupied residential lots. Code Enforcement issues notices under the Town nuisance chapter; abatement costs become a lien.
Key details: Height Limit: 12 inches. Notice: 10 days to correct. Abatement: Town mows, bills owner. Lien: Unpaid becomes lien.
Initial civil penalty around 100 dollars per violation, escalating daily. Abatement costs plus administrative fee (often 150-300 dollars) billed to owner.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Matthews 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.
All of the above reflects Matthews's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.