Urban Forestry 

Urban Forestry is the cultivation and management of trees in and around the places we live -- cities, suburbs, and rural communities -- for their contribution to the environment, community, and economic well-being of society.

The City Arborist works in the Planning Department and administers the Landscaping and Tree Conservation ordinances, as well as other tree-related programs. For more information about the role of the City Arborist, visit Tree FAQs or contact the City Arborist at 336-373-2150.

What does an Urban Forestry Program do for Greensboro? 

• Serves as a leader for tree-awareness programs.
• Provides you with valuable information about tree care, reputable tree care companies, and how to comply with tree ordinances.
• Trains and supervises City crews or contractors on proper tree-trimming practices.
• Champions tree planting and preservation of existing trees when developers propose new projects.
• Evaluates trees on public property and rights-of-way for potential hazards.

The Landscaping and Tree Conservation Manual is a user-friendly guide based on the Land Development Ordinance containing illustrations and explanations of key requirements. 

Landscaping and Tree Conservation requirements are found in Article 10, Landscaping, and Article 12.1, Tree Conservation, of the Land Development Ordinance (LDO).

These ordinances apply to commercial, retail, industrial, institutional, and multi-family developments within the Greensboro city limits, but do not apply to new single family subdivisions or existing single family residences. 

Before construction begins on a site, plans are reviewed by Planning Department staff to make sure they meet the requirements of the ordinance. Once the plans are reviewed, the sites are inspected to ensure the approved plan is being followed. Questions? Call the City Arborist at 336-373-2150.

Frequently Requested Items       Tree Planting and Care Tips
Trees to Plant Under Power Lines       Tree Topping
Basic Pruning Standards       Tree Care Myths
Approved Plant List       Successful Tree Planting
Tree Planting Detail       NeighborWoods Tree Planting Program Brochure
Tree Protection Fence Detail       NeighborWoods Tree Planting Program Selection Guide
Recommended Street Trees             Tree FAQs             

Tree Planting and Award Programs Greening Greensboro Award Program 
National Arbor Day Program 
Treasure Trees Program 
Memorial and Honor Gift Tree Program 
Greensboro Beautiful 
NeighborWoods Tree Planting Program

National Links State Links

Society of Municipal Arborist   North Carolina Native Plant Society 

History of Our UDO & LDO Manuals

The original Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) was adopted in July 1992. The Tree Preservation requirements were added and adopted in October 2000 and the Tree Preservation and Landscape Ordinance was further amended and adopted in August 2003, June 2008 and July 2010 when the Landscaping and Tree Preservation requirements were modified and separated.

In June 2010, Greensboro City Council adopted a new Land Development Ordinance (LDO) to govern development in Greensboro. A one year transition period from the old UDO to the new LDO ended on July 1, 2011. Beginning on that date, the LDO is the only development ordinance in effect for Greensboro.

While many of the principles of tree preservation found in the UDO are the same, there are some significant changes to tree conservation 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 the Natural Resources section of the LDO (30-12.1).

Please refer to the Landscaping and Tree Conservation Manual for current requirements from the LDO.