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

If you live in The Woodlands or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. The Woodlands has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Weed Ordinances

The Woodlands Covenants require every owner to keep their whole lot and improvements in good order and repair. Mowing, weeding, and edging up to the pavement edge are mandatory, and the Township's Covenant Administration enforces the standard through notices and, if ignored, litigation.

Key details: Rule: Keep lot in good order/repair. Authority: Development Standards § 3.2(A). Enforcer: Township Covenant Administration / DSC. Grass-height limit: No fixed number set. Escalation: Notice, then Board litigation.

Covenant Administration issues a written violation notice. If the lot stays unmowed and uncured, the Township Board may authorize a lawsuit seeking an injunction to compel compliance, plus recovery of the Township's costs.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

In The Woodlands, no living tree over six inches in diameter (measured two feet above natural grade) may be removed without prior written approval from the Township's Plan Review Committee. This is a covenant standard enforced by Covenant Administration, not a city ordinance.

Key details: Threshold: Live tree over 6 inches diameter. Measured: Two feet above natural grade. Approval: Prior written Plan Review Committee OK. Replacement: 30-gal tree for 6-19 inch trunks. Enforcer: Township Covenant Administration.

Removing a qualifying tree without prior written approval is a covenant violation. The Woodlands Township Covenant Administration can require replacement plantings, order restoration, and pursue injunctive relief under the deed restrictions to compel compliance.

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

The Bottom Line

The Woodlands'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 The Woodlands is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that The Woodlands 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.