Landscaping Rules in Simpsonville, SC (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Simpsonville, South Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Weeds or vegetation on private or public property that exceeds 12 inches in height are a declared public-health nuisance in Simpsonville, except healthy trees and shrubs and plants grown in a tended, cultivated garden or plot. A separate weed-removal rule uses an 18-inch threshold.
Simpsonville Grass Height Limit
Some RestrictionsSimpsonville Code of Ordinances § 18-37(a)(7)
Weeds or rank growths of vegetation upon private or public property, and all other vegetation at any stage of maturity which: exceeds 12 inches in height, except for healthy trees, shrubs or plants grown in a tended and cultivated garden or plot.
Tree Trimming
Simpsonville can require owners to trim trees in two situations: damaged or diseased tree limbs that threaten public injury from structural failure, and trees, hedges, or shrubs near street intersections that block a driver's clear view. Owners get written notice to cut back.
Tree Trimming and Sight-Line Rules in Simpsonville
Some RestrictionsSimpsonville Code of Ordinances § 18-45(j)(1)
It shall be unlawful for owners, tenants or occupants of property contiguous or adjacent to intersections of streets to permit or maintain on such property or lot any trees, bushes, shrubbery or other plant or any sign or structure which obstructs the view of the operators of motor vehicles or which creates a dangerous or hazardous condition.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removing a tree with a trunk 12 inches or larger (measured at breast height) requires a Tree Removal Permit from the Planning Director, regardless of the tree's health, though hazardous trees posing imminent peril can be removed without a permit. Single-family lots are exempt from the broader landscaping replacement standards.
Tree Removal Rules in Simpsonville
Some RestrictionsSimpsonville Zoning Ordinance § 7.11.2
Regardless of the health or condition of the tree(s), a Tree Removal Permit is required to remove any tree with a diameter at breast height (DBH) equal to or greater than 12 inches and/or any tree that is required by this Ordinance or as a condition of approval for any plan or permit.
Weed Ordinances
Owners must keep property free of unsightly growth. Weeds, brush, or undergrowth reaching 18 inches or more, or vines dense enough to harbor rats, snakes, or vermin, must be removed after city notice. Vegetation over 12 inches is also a declared public-health nuisance.
Simpsonville Weed and Overgrowth Ordinance
Some RestrictionsSimpsonville Code of Ordinances § 18-45(c)(1)
The owner, agent, occupant, lessee, or person in charge of any property in the city shall, upon notification by the city administrator or other designated officer of the city, remove from such property the following conditions... Any weeds, brush, undergrowth or debris, on any real property located within the city that grows to a height of 18 inches or more.
Water Restrictions
The City of Simpsonville does not adopt its own lawn-watering-day ordinance. Outdoor water use is governed by your water utility (Greenville Water or Metropolitan Sewer Sub-District providers), which can impose drought or conservation restrictions. The Zoning Ordinance does require irrigation for certain new landscaping.
Watering and Irrigation Rules in Simpsonville
Some RestrictionsSimpsonville Zoning Ordinance § 4.9.3.H
Where plant materials not native to the upstate area of South Carolina are used for more than 25 percent of the required plants materials, landscaped areas shall be irrigated with a system that is suitable for the type(s) of plantings installed. Irrigation systems shall comply with South Carolina laws and standards.
Rainwater Harvesting
Simpsonville has no ordinance restricting residential rainwater harvesting, and South Carolina imposes no statewide ban. Homeowners may generally collect rooftop rainwater in barrels or cisterns for outdoor use. Larger cisterns tied to plumbing must meet the adopted building and plumbing codes.
Rainwater Harvesting in Simpsonville
Some RestrictionsNative Plants
Simpsonville's Zoning Ordinance encourages native, local vegetation and discourages listed invasive trees such as Tree of Heaven, Mimosa, Bradford Pear, and Chinese Tallowtree in landscaped areas and buffers. Using more than 25 percent non-native plants in required landscaping triggers an irrigation requirement.
Native Plants and Invasive Species in Simpsonville
Some RestrictionsSimpsonville Zoning Ordinance § 4.9.3.I
Some types of trees, upon maturing, represent liabilities to the community... The following trees, adapted from the South Carolina Exotic Pest Plant Council Invasive Species List, shall be discouraged in any landscaped area or buffer... Any party involved with the utilization of these trees may be held liable for damages caused thereby.
Artificial Turf
Simpsonville's Zoning Ordinance prohibits artificial or synthetic plant materials from being used to satisfy required landscaping, and its landscape definition excludes artificial trees and plants. These rules apply to regulated landscaping, not to a homeowner installing turf on an exempt single-family lot.
Artificial Turf Rules in Simpsonville
Some RestrictionsSimpsonville Zoning Ordinance § 4.9.3.D
No artificial or synthetic plant materials shall be used to satisfy the landscape requirements herein.
Composting
Simpsonville has no ordinance specifically permitting or banning backyard composting. Home composting is generally allowed, but a pile that gives off noxious odors or harbors or invites rodents, pests, or vermin becomes a declared public-health nuisance the city can order abated.
Backyard Composting in Simpsonville
Some RestrictionsSimpsonville Code of Ordinances § 18-37(a)(7)
Weeds or rank growths of vegetation... and all other vegetation at any stage of maturity which: ... regardless of height, harbors, conceals or invites rodents, pests or vermin or deposits of refuse; gives off noxious odors; constitutes a fire or traffic safety hazard.
Looking for Greenville County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Simpsonville city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Greenville County →