Conroe's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Conroe, 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

Conroe Chapter 102 (Vegetation) protects trees during development. No person may remove a protected tree (6+ inch DBH) without a permit. Each new home must preserve or plant at least three trees.

Key details: Code Section: Ch. 102 (Vegetation). Protected Trees: 6+ inch DBH. New Home Requirement: 3 trees (4in + 3in + 3in caliper). Permit Portal: Engineering Dept via OpenGov.

Unauthorized removal of protected trees during development subject to enforcement action and permit revocation under Ch. 102.

Water Restrictions

Conroe mandates twice-per-week lawn watering from May 1 through October 31, with irrigation limited to 6 PM - 10 AM. Odd addresses water Tuesday/Friday, even addresses Wednesday/Saturday. Escalating fines from $200 to $500.

Key details: Season: May 1 - October 31. Irrigation Hours: 6 PM - 10 AM only. Odd Addresses: Tuesday & Friday. Even Addresses: Wednesday & Saturday. New Lawn Exception: Daily for 30 days.

First violation: warning notice. Second violation in 12 months: $200. Third violation: $300. Each subsequent violation: $500.

Weed Ordinances

Conroe Sec. 26-33 declares uncultivated weeds and brush exceeding 12 inches a public nuisance when within 100 feet of neighboring structures. Code Enforcement handles complaints and may abate at owner's expense.

Key details: Code Section: Sec. 26-33. Max Height: 12 inches (same as grass). Applies To: Residential and vacant lots. Abatement: City may abate and lien property.

Public nuisance citation under Sec. 26-33; fines up to $2,000. City may abate and lien the property for abatement costs.

Grass Height Limits

Conroe Sec. 26-33 prohibits grass, weeds, or brush exceeding 12 inches in height on property within 100 feet of neighboring residences, public buildings, or commercial establishments.

Key details: Code Section: Sec. 26-33. Max Height: 12 inches. Applicable Zone: Within 100 ft of neighbor structure. Trees Excluded: Yes. Max Fine: $2,000.

Public nuisance citation under Sec. 26-33; fines up to $2,000. City may mow and bill the property owner for abatement costs.

Tree Trimming

Conroe Chapter 102 (Vegetation) protects significant trees during development. Trees with 6+ inch DBH on development sites require a tree preservation plan. Routine residential trimming is generally unrestricted.

Key details: Code Section: Ch. 102 (Vegetation). DBH Threshold: 6+ inches requires plan. Critical Root Zone: 1 ft radius per inch DBH. New Home Trees: 3 trees required (4in + 3in + 3in caliper). Permit Portal: Engineering Dept via OpenGov.

Violation of the Tree Canopy Ordinance (Ch. 102) during construction subject to enforcement and permit revocation.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Texas under TX Water Code Section 11.012. Conroe has no local restrictions on rain barrels or cisterns. The city's water conservation efforts support reduced irrigation demand.

Key details: Legality: Legal (TX Water Code Section 11.012). Local Restrictions: None. HOA Ban: Prohibited by state law. Permits: May need for large cisterns with plumbing.

No violations for residential rainwater harvesting. Large installations may need building permits.

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

Native Plants

Conroe requires landscaping for new development under Chapter 102 (Vegetation). Mandatory buffer zones require a minimum density of 1 tree every 50 feet. Newly planted trees must be minimum 3-inch caliper for large/medium species or 2.5-inch caliper for small species.

Key details: Buffer Density: 1 tree per 50 feet minimum. New Home Trees: 3 minimum (1 at 4-inch, 2 at 3-inch caliper). Small Species: 2.5-inch caliper minimum. Irrigation Plan: Required by licensed irrigator.

Failure to meet landscaping requirements may delay clearing permit release and certificate of occupancy.

Artificial Turf

Conroe does not have a specific ordinance prohibiting or regulating artificial turf on residential properties. The city's vegetation ordinance (Chapter 102) focuses on tree preservation and new development landscaping requirements rather than lawn surface materials.

Key details: City Regulation: No specific artificial turf ordinance. State Law: SB 198 protects water-conserving landscaping. Maintenance Standard: Chapter 26, Sec. 26-33 (no weeds over 12 in.). HOA Rules: May have additional restrictions.

No specific violations. Artificial turf is generally permitted.

Conroe is more permissive than most cities when it comes to artificial turf. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Conroe gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 2 of the 8 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.

All of the above reflects Conroe's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.