The Winston-Salem City Council has approved an ordinance that would allow residents to create natural landscape areas in their yards using native and/or pollinator-friendly plants. The new rules will take effect March 5, 2024.
Natural yards offer a number of benefits, said Sustainability Director Shaleen Miller. “They conserve water, reduce greenhouse gases by reducing the need to mow, encourage bees, birds and butterflies and in the long run, reduce the time a homeowner spends maintaining a traditional lawn,” Miller said.
There are rules about borders, size of the natural area and its relationship to property lines. If natural landscape areas are visible to the public, they must display a sign identifying them.
Traditional lawns are still subject to the city’s rules requiring that they be no more than eight inches high.
Natural areas must be registered with the city’s Sustainability Department if the grasses used will be taller than the eight inches currently allowed for grass lawns. Registration is free, but requires that residents submit a site plan, plant list and maintenance plan. Registration may be revoked if the natural area is not properly maintained.
For more information about the ordinance, go to: www.cityofws.org/3281