Landscaping Rules in Greensboro, NC (2026)
4 verified landscaping rules for Greensboro, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Greensboro requires owners of trees overhanging any street or right-of-way to prune branches so they keep a clear 8-foot space above the street or sidewalk and don't block streetlights or intersection sightlines. City Code § 19-43(a) also requires removal of dead, diseased or dangerous limbs that endanger the public.
Greensboro Tree Trimming Over Streets & Sidewalks
Some RestrictionsGreensboro City Code § 19-43
(a)Every owner of any tree overhanging any street or right-of-way within the city shall prune the branches so that such branches shall not obstruct the light from any street lamp or obstruct the view of any street intersection and so that there shall be a clear space of eight (8) feet above the surface of the street or sidewalk.(b)Said owners shall remove all dead, diseased or dangerous trees, ...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
When Greensboro removes a tree from city-owned property, streets, medians or parks, Section 19-41.1(d) requires the city to plant a replacement canopy tree in general proximity to the one removed, at a minimum two-inch caliper, whenever reasonably possible.
Greensboro Replacement Trees on City Land
Some RestrictionsGreensboro, NC Code of Ordinances § 19-41.1(d)
The city shall encourage the replanting of canopy trees on city property. When a tree is removed from city property, an appropriate tree shall be planted in general proximity to the tree removed, if reasonably possible. All replacement trees shall be a minimum of two (2) inches caliper at time of planting.
Weed Ordinances
Greensboro's nuisance ordinance bans grass, weeds, and other noxious vegetation over twelve inches tall on any lot in the city. City Code § 17-1(a)(2) exempts chosen ornamental grasses like switch grass, pampas grass, and bamboo, and sets reduced maintenance depths for vacant lots over an acre and wooded parcels. The chief of code compliance enforces the standard through a ten-day abatement notice.
Greensboro Weed and Grass Height Limit
Some RestrictionsGreensboro City Code § 17-1(a)(2)
(2) Any place of dense growth of grass, weeds or other noxious vegetation over twelve (12) inches in height, except for ornamental grasses chosen for features like color and form, such as switch grass, pampas grass, fountain grass, and bamboo, and with the following provisions: a. A parcel consisting of adjacent vacant lots, under the same ownership, will be considered as one (1) lot. b. Except...
Native Plants
Greensboro lets homeowners keep natural landscape areas and wooded yards instead of a mowed lawn under City Code § 17-1(a)(2)c, as long as the growth doesn't create a nuisance, stay off the right-of-way and neighboring lots, and is marked off with a visible border such as edging, timber, stone, or woodchips.
Greensboro Natural Landscape Yard Allowance
Light RestrictionsGreensboro City Code § 17-1(a)(2)c
c.Natural landscape areas and wooded lots shall be allowed under the following conditions:1.Natural landscape areas and wooded lots shall be maintained and shall not harbor, create nor allow to exist any condition defined as a nuisance or determined by the code enforcement officer to be a condition which poses a health hazard for the general welfare of the public;2.Natural landscape vegetation ...
Looking for Guilford County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Greensboro city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Guilford County →