Tree Preservation and Landscaping Ordinance (UDO)
The Greensboro Tree Preservation Ordinance was adopted in 2000 and applies to commercial, retail, and multifamily development within the Greensboro city limits. The Tree Preservation ordinance does not apply to new single family subdivisions or existing residences.
The ordinance was designed to allow developers to remove trees on their site and also requires them to keep some existing trees. The amount of trees required to be saved is based on a sliding scale that requires larger sites to keep more trees than smaller sites. Many times, trees are saved around the edges of the property or in the rear of the property, where it is not obvious that they are trees the developer is required to save. Tree preservation areas are required to be protected with orange tree protection fencing or black silt fencing.
City of Greensboro staff enforces the Tree Preservation Ordinance. Before construction begins on a site, plans are reviewed by staff to make sure they are meeting the requirements of the ordinance. Once the plans are reviewed, the sites are inspected to ensure they are following the approved plan.
Tree Preservation and Landscape Manual (UDO)
The Tree Preservation and Landscape Manual is a user-friendly guide based on the ordinance. Download the manual or read a specific section or topic listed below.
Tree Conservation Ordinance (LDO)
City Council adopted the new Land Development Ordinance (LDO), which became effective on July 1, 2010. While many of the principles of tree preservation found in the UDO are the same, there are some significant changes to the tree preservation regulations found in the LDO. The most significant of these changes is that tree conservation regulations have been separated from the landscaping requirements and placed under Natural Resources. The requirements of the Tree Conservation Ordinance are no longer based on existing trees growing in the landscape planting yards. Tree Conservation requirements are now based on a percentage of lot size. Despite this new approach, the landscaping and tree conservation requirements still have some common elements. To assist those contemplating the development of their property a new Landscaping and Tree Conservation Manual has been created.
Landscaping and Tree Conservation Manual (LDO)
The Landscaping and Tree Conservation Manual is a user-friendly guide based on the ordinance. Download the manual or read a specific section or topic listed below.
Frequently Requested Items Common to Both Ordinances
Trees to Plant Under Power Lines
Basic Pruning Standards
Approved Plant List
Tree Planting Detail
Tree Protection Fence Detail
Recommended Street Trees
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