Landscaping Rules in Winston-Salem, NC (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Winston-Salem, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Winston-Salem code limits grass and weeds on developed residential lots to 12 inches. Exceeding the limit is a public nuisance under Chapter 46, and the city can cut the lot and place a lien for costs plus an administrative fee after notice.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Winston-Salem residents may trim branches of neighbor or city trees that cross their property line, but only to the property line and without harming tree health. Trimming city-owned street trees in the right-of-way requires coordination with the Vegetation Management Division.
Landscaping: Tree Trimming
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removing trees on private residential property in Winston-Salem generally does not require a permit, but city-owned street trees, trees in protected buffers (UDO zoning districts), and trees on development sites require review. Replacement or mitigation may be required.
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Under Winston-Salem Code Chapter 46, weeds and non-ornamental vegetation over 12 inches are declared a public nuisance on developed property. The city can order abatement and, after notice, cut the lot and lien the owner for costs.
Landscaping: Weed Ordinances
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County water service is provided by Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities (City-County Utilities). Year-round, customers are asked to follow conservation practices; during declared drought stages, mandatory watering-day and time restrictions apply.
Landscaping: Water Restrictions
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Winston-Salem. North Carolina has no statewide cap on residential rain capture, and City-County Utilities has promoted rain barrels through periodic distribution programs.
Landscaping: Rainwater Harvesting
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Winston-Salem encourages native plantings. There is no prohibition on native or pollinator gardens, and the city recognizes cultivated native-plant landscapes as exempt from the 12-inch weed ordinance when visibly maintained.
Landscaping: Native Plants
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Artificial turf is allowed on private residential property in Winston-Salem. There is no city ban, but stormwater and UDO rules may apply for larger installations, and HOAs can set their own front-yard aesthetic standards.