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Guilford County, NC Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Native mandate
None for private yards
Canopy tree min
8 ft high, 2-inch caliper
Understory tree min
4 ft high, 1-inch caliper
Applies to
Larger developments only
Existing trees
Can meet requirements

Summary

Guilford County does not mandate native plants for private yards, but its Unified Development Ordinance sets planting standards for required landscape and buffer yards on larger developments, including canopy, understory, and shrub counts.

City-specific rules exist: Greensboro has its own native plants rules that differ from Guilford County's county-level regulations. If you live in Greensboro, check the city-specific page instead.

Canopy trees must be a minimum of eight (8) feet high and two (2) inches in caliper, measured six (6) inches above grade, when planted....Understory trees must be a minimum of four (4) feet high and one (1) inch in caliper, measured six (6) inches above grade, when planted.

View official code

Full Breakdown

For single-family and two-family lots, the county imposes no plant-species requirement, so homeowners may plant natives or ornamentals freely. On commercial and larger multi-family projects, UDO Section 6.2 requires specified planting yards with minimum tree and shrub densities, and sets nursery-stock standards: canopy trees at least eight feet high and two inches in caliper when planted, understory trees at least four feet and one inch caliper. Preserving existing native tree stands can satisfy these requirements, and older trees are prioritized. Selecting native, drought-tolerant species is encouraged but not compelled.

Violations & Fines

Non-compliant required plantings on regulated development can block certificates of occupancy; UDO enforcement (Subsection 10) applies until landscaping meets the approved plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Guilford County require native plants in my yard?
No. Homeowners on single-family lots may plant whatever they like. Native, drought-tolerant species are encouraged for water and habitat benefits but are not mandated by the county.
What planting standards apply to commercial sites?
UDO 6.2 sets required planting yards with minimum canopy, understory, and shrub counts and nursery-stock sizes; preserved existing tree stands may count toward those requirements.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Guilford County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsTree TrimmingSome RestrictionsArtificial TurfSome RestrictionsCompostingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Guilford County rules

Compare Guilford County to another location·View the North Carolina landscaping rules overview

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Native Plants in Cities Across Guilford County

Greensboro, NCHigh Point, NC