Landscaping Rules in McKinney, TX: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in McKinney or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. McKinney has 8 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Native Plants

McKinney encourages native Texas and Blackland Prairie plants through landscape ordinances and Water Conservation rebates. New development landscape plans credit native and adapted species.

Key details: HOA Law: TX Property 202.007. Tool: WaterMyYard.org. Rebates: Smart irrigation. Region: Blackland Prairie natives.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

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

Artificial Turf

Artificial turf allowed in McKinney single-family rear and side yards. Front-yard artificial turf subject to Zoning Chapter 146 landscape standards; some districts restrict it. HOA rules often apply and are not overridden by state law for artificial turf.

Key details: Rear Yard: Allowed. Front Yard: District-dependent. HOA: May restrict. Drainage: Required.

Code violation for front-yard noncompliance: up to 500 dollars per day. HOA enforcement separate.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting encouraged in McKinney and protected by Texas Property Code Section 202.007 which bars HOAs from prohibiting rain barrels or cisterns. Sales tax exempt under Tax Code 151.355.

Key details: Small Barrels: No permit. HOA Protection: TX Property 202.007. Tax Exempt: Tax Code 151.355. Indoor Connect: Permit required.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

McKinney is more permissive than most cities when it comes to rainwater harvesting. That said, there are still limits.

Weed Ordinances

McKinney Chapter 42 declares tall weeds, rank vegetation, and accumulations of objectionable matter public nuisances. Same 12-inch standard and 10-day abatement process as grass.

Key details: Standard: 12 inches and pest-free. Notice: 10 days. Vacant Lots: Owner responsible. Mosquito: Health coordination.

Civil penalty up to 500 dollars per day. Abatement lien for city cleanup costs.

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

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Removal of protected trees (6 inches DBH and larger) in McKinney requires a Tree Removal Permit under Chapter 146 Article V. Replacement or mitigation fee into Tree Fund required.

Key details: Threshold: 6 inches DBH. Heritage: 30 inches DBH. Mitigation: Inch-for-inch or fund. Fund Rate: About 250 dollars per inch.

Unpermitted removal: fines up to 2,000 dollars per tree plus full mitigation value.

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

Tree Trimming

McKinney Tree Preservation Ordinance (Zoning Chapter 146 Article V) regulates trimming of protected trees over 6 inches DBH. Routine pruning allowed; topping or removing over 25 percent of canopy requires permit.

Key details: Threshold: 6 inches DBH. Oak Wilt Window: Feb 1 to Jun 30. Seal Cuts: Within 15 minutes. ROW Trees: Parks Dept approval.

Unauthorized topping or heavy pruning of protected trees: fines up to 2,000 dollars and mitigation planting per caliper inch damaged.

Water Restrictions

McKinney follows North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) year-round outdoor watering schedule: twice weekly maximum, no watering 10 AM to 6 PM April through October. Stage restrictions tighten during drought.

Key details: Supplier: NTMWD. Frequency: 2 days per week. No-Water Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM Apr-Oct. Stage 3 Fine: Up to 2,000 dollars.

First violation: warning. Subsequent: 100 to 2,000 dollars per occurrence under Chapter 106 Utilities.

Compared to other cities, McKinney takes a harder line on water restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Grass Height Limits

McKinney limits grass and weeds to 12 inches maximum on improved lots under Chapter 42 of City Code. Code Services issues 10-day notice before city abatement and lien.

Key details: Max Height: 12 inches. Notice: 10 days. Admin Fee: 100 dollars. Lien: Yes if unpaid.

Civil penalty up to 500 dollars per day plus abatement costs and lien. Habitual violators may face Municipal Court.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. McKinney actively enforces its grass height limits requirements.

The Bottom Line

McKinney is tougher than many cities when it comes to landscaping rules. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in McKinney, 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 McKinney's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.