Guilford County, NC Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

For ordinary single-family and two-family lots, the Unified Development Ordinance's landscaping section (6.2) does not apply, so routine trimming is unregulated by the county. Where existing trees are counted toward a required planting yard on commercial or multi-family development, they must be preserved and protected; the ordinance says preserving tree stands is strongly encouraged and older trees prioritized. Inside a protected riparian (stream) buffer, activities that result in removal of trees are restricted and may need a variance. Utility line clearance and normal pruning of your own healthy trees are otherwise a private matter.