How Lewisville Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Lewisville maintains 90 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Lewisville falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Tree Trimming

Lewisville property owners must keep trees and shrubs along the public right-of-way trimmed so branches don't block pedestrian travel, vehicular sightlines or utility service, under City Code Section 9-57(b); the same section also caps vegetative growth height on the adjoining property.

Key details: Duty holder: Property owner or occupant. Clearance covers: Pedestrian path, vehicle sightline, utilities. Alley planting: Trees/shrubs barred in alley ROW. Non-compliance remedy: City trims, bills owner, files lien. Trimmings dumping: Barred from street/sidewalk (Sec. 9-58).

A property that lets branches encroach on the sidewalk, block a driver's sightline or interfere with utility service is a Section 9-57 violation; after notice under Sections 9-41 and 9-42 goes unaddressed, the city can trim the growth itself, bill the owner under Section 9-43, and record a lien under Section 9-44, in addition to a fine under the Code's general penalty.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Removing, planting or trimming a tree, shrub or plant on Lewisville city-managed property, meaning parks and public rights-of-way, requires the city manager's prior written approval under Section 13-63; doing it without approval is a separate criminal offense.

Key details: Approval required from: City manager, in writing. Scope: Parks and public rights-of-way only. Private tree vandalism: Barred separately by Sec. 13-64. Utility company exemption: Requires easement + advance notice. Governing program: City tree management program (Sec. 13-62).

Removing or planting a tree on city-managed property without the city manager's written approval is an offense under Section 13-63(b); willfully damaging or destroying any tree, public or private, without authority is a separate offense under Section 13-64. Both are enforced under the general penalty in Section 1-15, up to $500 per day for most violations and up to $2,000 where sanitation or public-safety values apply.

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

Weed Ordinances

Lewisville Code Ch. 10 treats weeds the same as overgrown grass: vegetation exceeding 12 inches is a violation. Noxious weeds, brush, and rubbish that harbor vermin or create fire hazards must be removed regardless of height. City abates and liens property for costs.

Key details: Code: Ch. 10 Health and Sanitation. Max Height: 12 inches. Vermin/Fire Hazard: Must clear regardless of height. Complaints: (972) 219-3450 or Engage app. Fine: Up to $500 per offense.

Fine up to $500 per offense. City abatement costs ($200-$400 typical) assessed as a property lien. Repeated violations may result in increased fines.

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

Water Restrictions

Lewisville runs mandatory, year-round Stage 1 watering-day limits: even-numbered addresses irrigate Tuesdays and Saturdays, odd-numbered addresses Wednesdays and Sundays, commercial and multi-family customers Mondays and Thursdays, all only between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. from May 1 through September 30. No sprinkler or automatic-system watering is allowed on Fridays at all.

Key details: Even addresses: Tuesday and Saturday watering. Odd addresses: Wednesday and Sunday watering. Commercial/multi-family: Monday and Thursday watering. Seasonal hours: 6:00 p.m.-10:00 a.m., May 1-Sept 30. No sprinklers: Fridays, under any stage.

Section 16-257 makes it an offense to knowingly make, cause, or permit a use of water contrary to the plan's measures. A conviction in municipal court carries a fine of not more than $2,000.00 per offense, and each day the violation continues is charged as a new and separate offense. Section 16-258 allows the administrator to grant a hardship variance on written request.

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

The Bottom Line

Lewisville is tougher than many cities when it comes to landscaping rules. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Lewisville, 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 Lewisville's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.