Mesquite's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

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

Grass Height Limits

Mesquite requires grass and weeds on residential and commercial properties to be kept under 12 inches; violations result in citations and city mowing at owner expense.

Key details: Note: Maximum grass/weed height: 12 inches. Note: Applies to vacant and developed lots. Note: 7-10 day notice typical before city mows. Note: City mowing costs $200-$500+ assessed to owner. Fine Range: Up to $2,000 per individual offense.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Mesquite code enforcement](https://www.cityofmesquite.com/180/Code-Enforcement) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

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

Tree Trimming

Mesquite requires property owners to trim trees overhanging streets to 14 feet clearance and sidewalks to 8 feet, and maintain visibility at intersections.

Key details: Street Clearance: Street clearance: 14 feet vertical. Sidewalk Clearance: Sidewalk clearance: 8 feet vertical. Cannot Obstruct Signs: Cannot obstruct signs or signals. Visibility Triangle At: Visibility triangle at corners enforced. 10-30 Day Notice: 10-30 day notice before enforcement.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Mesquite regulates removal of protected and heritage trees on private property and requires permits with possible mitigation planting for trees over a certain caliper.

Key details: Permits: Permits required for protected trees. Heritage Trees Have: Heritage trees have special protections. Mitigation Planting Often: Mitigation planting often 1:1 to 3:1. Dead/diseased Trees Exempt: Dead/diseased trees exempt with proof. City Right: City right-of-way trees need Parks approval.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Mesquite code enforcement](https://www.cityofmesquite.com/179/Planning-Zoning) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Native Plants

Mesquite allows native and drought-tolerant landscaping. Texas Property Code 202.007 protects xeriscape and drought-resistant yards from blanket HOA bans.

Key details: Native and xeriscape: Native and xeriscape landscaping allowed and encouraged. TX Property Code: TX Property Code 202.007 protects drought-resistant yards from HOA bans. Measurement: 12 inches. HOAs may still: HOAs may still require a submitted landscape plan. North Texas Municipal: North Texas Municipal Water District offers plant lists and rebates.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Mesquite code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/tx/mesquite/codes/code_of_ordinances) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Mesquite gives residents more flexibility on native plants.

Water Restrictions

Mesquite follows NTMWD (North Texas Municipal Water District) drought stages with twice-weekly watering by address and time-of-day restrictions year-round.

Key details: Limits: Sprinklers limited to twice per week. Watering Times: No watering 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April-October. Water: Drip and hand-watering allowed any day. NTMWD Sets: NTMWD sets drought stages. Penalties: Fines up to $2,000 per violation.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Mesquite code enforcement](https://www.ntmwd.com/conservation/) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

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

Artificial Turf

Mesquite allows artificial turf in residential yards. HOAs cannot impose a blanket ban but may set quality and placement standards under Texas law.

Key details: Prohibition: No city permit required for typical residential artificial turf. Prohibition: Cannot be installed in right-of-way or drainage easements. Limit: HOAs may limit turf to back yards and require plan approval. Authority: Blanket HOA bans restricted under updated TX Property Code 202.007. Boundary: Permeable base required to prevent runoff onto neighbors.

Weed Ordinances

Mesquite prohibits noxious weeds, tall grass over 12 inches, and overgrown vegetation that harbors pests or creates fire hazards on private property.

Key details: Vegetation Violation: Noxious weeds and tall grass prohibited. Pest Harboring: Vegetation harboring pests illegal. Notice Period: 7–10 days to abate. Enforcement: City cleanup costs become liens. Repeat Offense: Skip notice period.

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

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is encouraged in Mesquite. Texas Property Code 202.007 prevents HOAs from banning rain barrels, and the city supports collection for irrigation.

Key details: Permit/License: Rain barrels allowed without a city permit. Restrictions: TX Property Code 202.007 blocks HOA bans on rainwater systems. Fees/Costs: Rainwater equipment is exempt from state sales tax. Permit/License: Indoor plumbed systems need backflow prevention and plumbing permits. Pools/Water: Mesquite water is supplied by North Texas Municipal Water District.

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

The Bottom Line

Mesquite is tougher than many cities when it comes to landscaping rules. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Mesquite, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Mesquite can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.