Landscaping Rules in Abilene, TX (2026)
6 verified landscaping rules for Abilene, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Abilene requires no permit to remove a tree. Preservation is a voluntary development credit: nonresidential and multifamily builders earn credit for two required landscape trees for each premium tree (at least six caliper inches) they keep and protect during construction.
Abilene Tree Preservation: Developer Credits, No Removal Permit
Light RestrictionsAbilene Land Development Code, Ch. 4, Art. 2, Div. 3, §§ 4.2.3.2, 4.2.3.4
For every premium tree preserved, the developer shall be given credit for two trees as required by this ordinance... A maximum credit of one hundred percent (100%) of the required trees shall be allowed per site. Determination of credits shall be made by the Planning Director... Premium Tree means any of the trees noted as such on the 'Recommended Trees and Shrubs' list maintained by the Planni...
Weed Ordinances
Abilene bans grasses, weeds, or brush taller than twelve inches on any lot of five acres or less, including the adjacent parkway and alleys. Code Enforcement gives ten days' notice, then mows the lot and bills the owner, filing a lien for unpaid costs.
Abilene Weeds and Grass Over 12 Inches Prohibited
Some RestrictionsAbilene Code of Ordinances §§ 19-15(19), 19-31
Grasses, weeds or brush at a height greater than twelve (12) inches on any lot, tract or parcel of land, including the adjacent parkway and alleys, which is five (5) acres or less, except as provided by section 19-16 of this chapter. ... any and all expenses incurred by the City in the abatement of a nuisance under the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a lien against the property upon...
Water Restrictions
Abilene's water conservation plan bans outdoor irrigation except during overnight hours and assigns every water customer a designated watering day tied to the last digit of their address. The Water Utilities Department tightens the schedule as combined storage in Hubbard Creek Reservoir and Lake Fort Phantom Hill falls, under Code of Ordinances § 32-144.
Abilene Limits Lawn Watering by Address Digit
Some RestrictionsCode of Ordinances § 32-144
Watering days: Customers are encouraged to conserve water by watering their lawn areas only once every seven (7) days on one (1) of their designated watering days. A customer's watering day is determined by the last digit of the house number or property address... When combined storage in Hubbard Creek Reservoir and Lake Fort Phantom Hill is above fifty (50) percent, the following three-day a w...
Rainwater Harvesting
Abilene allows residential rainwater harvesting. Texas has no significant state-level restrictions on rainwater collection for personal use.
Abilene Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsTex. Prop. Code Sec. 202.007
Sec. 202.007. CERTAIN RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS PROHIBITED. (a) A property owners' association may not include or enforce a provision in a dedicatory instrument that prohibits or restricts a property owner from: ... (2) installing rain barrels or a rainwater harvesting system; (3) implementing efficient irrigation systems, including underground drip or other drip systems; or (4) using drought-resis...
Native Plants
Abilene may encourage or require native and drought-tolerant landscaping. Some areas restrict traditional grass lawns in favor of water-efficient alternatives.
Abilene Native Plant & Xeriscape Rules
Few RestrictionsTex. Prop. Code Sec. 202.007
Sec. 202.007. CERTAIN RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS PROHIBITED. (a) A property owners' association may not include or enforce a provision in a dedicatory instrument that prohibits or restricts a property owner from: (1) implementing measures promoting solid-waste composting of vegetation, including grass clippings, leaves, or brush, or leaving grass clippings uncollected on grass; (2) installing rain b...
Artificial Turf
Abilene generally permits artificial turf installation with some requirements for drainage, appearance, and base preparation.
Abilene Artificial Turf Regulations
Few RestrictionsTex. Prop. Code Sec. 202.007
Sec. 202.007. CERTAIN RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS PROHIBITED. (a) A property owners' association may not include or enforce a provision in a dedicatory instrument that prohibits or restricts a property owner from: ... (4) using drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf. (b) A provision that violates Subsection (a) is void. (c) A property owners' association may restrict the type ...
Looking for Taylor County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Abilene city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Taylor County →