How Lewisville Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Lewisville maintains 100 local ordinances across all categories, and 8 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.

Water Restrictions

Lewisville enforces year-round twice-per-week watering schedules for landscape irrigation. Water is supplied from Lewisville Lake via the Upper Trinity Regional Water District. During drought, the city escalates to Stage 1-4 restrictions with progressively stricter limits and fines up to $2,000.

Key details: Water Source: Lewisville Lake / Upper Trinity. Year-Round Limit: Twice per week on assigned days. No Watering: 10 AM to 6 PM. Drought Stages: Stage 1-4 escalating restrictions. Max Fine: Up to $2,000.

First violation: written warning. Second: $250 fine. Third: $500. Fourth and subsequent: up to $2,000. Each day of violation is a separate offense.

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.

Grass Height Limits

Lewisville Code Ch. 10 (Health and Sanitation) requires property owners to keep grass and weeds mowed to no more than 12 inches in height. Failure to maintain results in a notice of violation, and the city may mow the property and assess costs as a lien.

Key details: Code: Ch. 10 Health and Sanitation. Max Height: 12 inches. Notice Period: ~10 days to abate. City Mowing Cost: $200-$400 assessed as lien. Complaints: (972) 219-3450 or Engage app.

Fine up to $500 per offense. City may mow and assess costs (typically $200-$400 per mowing) as a property lien. Each 10-day period of noncompliance is a separate offense.

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.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Lewisville has a tree preservation ordinance that protects certain mature trees from removal during development. Residential property owners removing protected trees on developed lots may need approval from the city. Replacement or mitigation may be required.

Key details: Protected Size: 6-inch trunk diameter or greater. Measurement: Diameter at breast height (4.5 ft). Mitigation: Replacement planting or tree fund payment. Dead/Hazardous: May be removed without mitigation. Fine: Up to $500 per tree.

Unauthorized removal of protected trees during development: fine up to $500 per tree plus required mitigation. Each protected tree removed without approval is a separate offense.

Rainwater Harvesting

Texas Property Code Sec. 202.007 prohibits HOAs from banning rainwater harvesting systems and drought-resistant landscaping. Lewisville does not restrict residential rainwater collection. The state encourages harvesting through TX Tax Code sales tax exemptions on equipment.

Key details: State Protection: TX Property Code Sec. 202.007. HOA Restrictions: Cannot ban harvesting systems. Tax Benefit: Sales tax exempt equipment. Mosquito Control: Containers must be covered/screened. City Restriction: None.

No penalties for rainwater harvesting. HOAs that attempt to ban harvesting systems violate TX Property Code Sec. 202.007 and face civil liability.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Lewisville gives residents more flexibility on rainwater harvesting.

Tree Trimming

Lewisville requires property owners to trim trees that overhang public sidewalks and streets to maintain clearance. Dead or hazardous limbs must be removed to prevent property damage or injury. The city trims trees in public rights-of-way.

Key details: Sidewalk Clearance: 8 feet minimum. Street Clearance: 14 feet minimum. Private Trees: Owner responsible for trimming. Oak Wilt Risk: Avoid pruning oaks Feb-Jun.

Failure to maintain clearance after notice: fine up to $500 per offense. City may trim overhanging branches in the right-of-way and assess costs to the property owner.

Native Plants

Texas Property Code Sec. 202.007 protects homeowners rights to install drought-resistant and native plant landscaping. HOAs cannot prohibit xeriscaping or native plants. Lewisville encourages water-wise landscaping given its Lewisville Lake water supply and drought-prone climate.

Key details: State Protection: TX Property Code Sec. 202.007. HOA Rules: Cannot ban drought-resistant landscaping. Height Limit: Must still comply with 12-inch limit. City Encouragement: Water-wise landscaping promoted.

No penalties for using native plants. HOAs that prohibit drought-resistant landscaping violate TX Property Code Sec. 202.007.

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

Artificial Turf

Lewisville does not prohibit artificial turf on residential property. Texas Property Code Sec. 202.007 protects drought-resistant landscaping including synthetic turf from HOA bans. Artificial turf eliminates irrigation demand, supporting the city water conservation goals.

Key details: City Prohibition: None. State Protection: TX Property Code Sec. 202.007. HOA Authority: Cannot ban; may set appearance standards. Drainage: Must not redirect water to neighbors.

No penalties for installing artificial turf. HOAs that ban artificial turf may violate TX Property Code Sec. 202.007 protections for drought-resistant landscaping.

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

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.

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

The Bottom Line

Lewisville's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Lewisville is broadly strict or permissive.

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.