A clash is erupting between city rules and natural gardening in Charlotte. Officials crack down on plants taller than one foot, while green-minded residents push back. Warnings flood in as the North Carolina Wildlife Federation tracks mounting complaints about natural yard citations.
“I like the idea of it being consistent with nature, giving food to birds and insects,” said Lou Lesesne, who got a violation notice in June for his front yard native garden. The notice warned of fines up to $500 if plants weren’t trimmed back within seven days.
A new group formed in July 2025 to tackle this issue. They joined with local organizations, the NC Native Plant Society and Charlotte Mecklenburg League of Women’s Voters, to protect natural yards…