Arlington's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Arlington, Texas, there are 4 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.

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.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Arlington requires a tree Preservation Plan for all development under UDC Section 5.2.3. Residential sites over one acre must preserve at least 35 percent of their tree inventory; non-residential and multi-family projects must reach a net-positive plan or mitigate by replanting or paying into the Reforestation Fund.

Key details: Code section: UDC § 5.2.3. Residential minimum: 35% inventory (lots over 1 acre). Non-residential rule: Net-positive plan or mitigate. Fee in lieu: Reforestation Fund per caliper inch. Enforced by: Zoning Administrator (Planning & Development).

Removing protected trees without an approved Preservation Plan, or falling short of the required preservation percentage, forces mitigation: replanting three-caliper-inch trees or paying the Reforestation Fund for every unmitigated caliper inch removed.

Compared to other cities, Arlington takes a harder line on tree removal & heritage trees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

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.

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

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.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Arlington gives residents more flexibility on artificial turf.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Arlington gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 3 of the 4 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

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.