Arlington's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Arlington, Texas, there are 8 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Arlington's tree preservation ordinance regulates removal of protected trees on non-single-family development sites. Single-family homeowners generally may remove trees on their own property without a permit. Removal of trees in street rights-of-way or on commercial, multifamily, and new-construction sites requires approval and may trigger mitigation plantings.

Key details: Single-Family Permit: Not generally required. Commercial/Multifamily: Permit and mitigation required. Right-of-Way Trees: City approval required. Protected Species: Oaks, pecan, elm, others. Contact: (817) 459-6100.

Unauthorized removal of protected trees on regulated sites can trigger fines and mandatory replacement plantings valued at many times the removed tree's caliper inches. Removing a tree in the public right-of-way without approval is a code violation and may require replacement at the owner's expense. Single-family homeowners removing trees on their own property are generally not subject to mitigation. Contact Planning at (817) 459-6100.

Artificial Turf

Arlington does not ban residential artificial turf but may regulate its use through zoning in front-yard landscape areas and drainage standards. HOAs often restrict artificial turf, though Texas courts have generally not extended Property Code 202.007 to artificial turf. Quality commercial-grade products with proper drainage typically meet city landscape requirements.

Key details: City Ban: None for residential. HOA Restrictions: Common and enforceable. §202.007 Protection: Generally not extended to turf. Drainage: Must not runoff onto neighbors. Commercial Use: May need live-plant mix.

There are generally no city penalties for installing artificial turf at a single-family home, but drainage violations that cause runoff onto neighbors can trigger nuisance complaints. HOA violations can result in fines and lawsuits under the HOA's covenants. Commercial sites that substitute artificial turf for required live landscaping may fail landscape inspection. Contact Arlington Planning at (817) 459-6100 for commercial questions.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is strongly encouraged in Arlington and protected by Texas Property Code Section 202.007, which prohibits HOAs from banning rain barrels and cistern systems that meet reasonable aesthetic standards. Texas Water Code Chapter 11 confirms that rainwater captured on your property is yours to use. Arlington offers rebates and educational programs.

Key details: City Permit (Rain Barrel): Not required. Texas Property Code: §202.007 protects systems. HOA Ban: Prohibited by state law. Potable Systems: TCEQ rules apply. Rebates: May be available.

There are essentially no city penalties for standard rainwater harvesting. HOA restrictions that attempt to ban rain barrels outright are unenforceable under Texas Property Code 202.007. Improper installation of a potable or pressurized system without required permits or backflow prevention may be a plumbing code violation. Contact Arlington Water Utilities at (817) 275-5931.

The rules around rainwater harvesting in Arlington lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Grass Height Limits

Arlington prohibits weeds, grass, and uncultivated vegetation from exceeding 12 inches on any residential or commercial property. Property owners must maintain lawns, parkways, and alleys adjacent to their property. The city pursues high-weed complaints aggressively during the hot summer growing season when rapid growth is common.

Key details: Maximum Height: 12 inches. Compliance Time: 7-10 days after notice. City Abatement: $300-$700 plus fees. Parkway Maintenance: Owner responsibility. Contact: (817) 459-6777.

Failure to cut high weeds after notice results in city abatement with charges billed to the owner, typically $300 to $700 per mow plus administrative fees. Unpaid charges become a lien on the property. Repeat violations on the same property within a year may be cited to municipal court without additional notice. Contact Arlington Code Compliance at (817) 459-6777.

Compared to other cities, Arlington takes a harder line on grass height limits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Water Restrictions

Arlington enforces year-round twice-per-week outdoor watering limits, with additional Stage 1 through Stage 4 drought restrictions triggered by Tarrant Regional Water District conditions at Lake Arlington and other regional reservoirs. Watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. from April through October to reduce evaporation in the North Texas heat.

Key details: Base Schedule: 2 days/week by address. No-Water Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Apr-Oct). Primary Source: Lake Arlington (TRWD). Hand Watering: Allowed anytime with nozzle. Drought Program: Stages 1-4.

First violations typically receive a written warning. Second and subsequent violations may result in fines starting at $100 and escalating to $500 or more per offense. During Stage 3 or Stage 4 drought, violators may have irrigation systems locked out or face water service restrictions. Contact Arlington Water Utilities at (817) 275-5931.

This is one of the stricter rules in Arlington's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Tree Trimming

Arlington requires property owners to trim trees so that branches clear public sidewalks by at least 8 feet and public streets by at least 14 feet. Trees overhanging alleys must not obstruct solid waste trucks. Trimming of trees on private property generally does not require a permit, but protected and heritage trees on development sites are regulated.

Key details: Sidewalk Clearance: 8 feet minimum. Street Clearance: 14 feet minimum. Residential Permit: Not required for normal pruning. Oak Pruning Window: November-January preferred. Contact: (817) 459-6777.

Failure to trim branches obstructing public rights-of-way after notice may result in city abatement at the owner's expense. Unauthorized removal or excessive pruning of protected trees on regulated sites can trigger penalties and tree replacement requirements under the landscape ordinance. Contact Code Compliance at (817) 459-6777 or the Arlington Urban Forestry program for tree questions.

Native Plants

Arlington encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping through water-conservation programs and does not restrict homeowners from replacing turf with native plants. Texas Property Code Section 202.007 prohibits HOAs from banning drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving turf. Maintained native plantings are exempt from the 12-inch weed limit if kept in an orderly condition.

Key details: City Permit: Not required. HOA Ban: Prohibited by §202.007. Weed Ordinance: Managed natives exempt. Recommended Plants: Cenizo, muhly, salvia, yucca. Resource: Tarrant County Master Gardeners.

No city penalties apply to native or xeriscape landscaping that is intentionally designed and maintained. HOA restrictions banning drought-resistant landscaping are unenforceable under Texas Property Code 202.007. Neglected areas that look like overgrown weeds rather than managed native landscapes may still be cited under the 12-inch weed rule. Contact Arlington Code Compliance at (817) 459-6777 if you are issued a notice for a legitimate native planting.

The rules around native plants in Arlington lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Weed Ordinances

Arlington prohibits property owners from allowing weeds, rank vegetation, or noxious plants to grow above 12 inches anywhere on their lot. The nuisance-vegetation ordinance also targets brush piles and overgrown vacant lots that attract rodents and snakes. Enforcement runs year-round but peaks in the hot, humid summer months.

Key details: Height Limit: 12 inches. Notice Period: 7-10 days typical. Court Fine Max: Up to $500. Brush Piles: May be declared nuisance. Lien Authority: Yes, for unpaid abatement.

Nuisance vegetation abatement by the city typically costs $300 to $700 per event plus administrative fees, charged to the owner as a lien. Citation to municipal court may result in fines up to $500 per offense for ongoing violations. Failure to pay abatement charges can cloud the property title. Contact Arlington Code Compliance at (817) 459-6777.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Arlington actively enforces its weed ordinances requirements.

The Bottom Line

Arlington is tougher than many cities when it comes to landscaping rules. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Arlington, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Arlington's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.