Landscaping Rules in Amarillo, TX (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Amarillo, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Amarillo requires property owners to maintain grass and weeds at reasonable heights under nuisance provisions. Overgrown properties receive notice to mow within a set timeframe or the city will mow and bill the owner.
Amarillo Grass Height & Lawn Maintenance Requirements
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Amarillo requires property owners to maintain trees so branches do not obstruct sidewalks, streets, or sight lines. Trees overhanging public rights-of-way must provide adequate clearance for pedestrians and vehicles.
Amarillo Tree Trimming & Maintenance Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Amarillo does not require a general permit for removing trees on private residential property. Trees in the public right-of-way are city property and require city permission for removal.
Amarillo Tree Removal Permits & Protected Species
Few RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Amarillo prohibits grasses, weeds, and rank vegetation exceeding 8 inches in height on any property within city limits. The City Marshal enforces complaints and the city may abate nuisances after notice and charge costs to the property owner.
Weeds and Overgrown Vegetation Must Stay Under 8 Inches
Some RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 342.004, 342.005
Sec. 342.004. MUNICIPAL POWER CONCERNING WEEDS OR CERTAIN PUBLIC NUISANCES. The governing body of a municipality may require the owner of real property in the municipality to keep the property free from weeds, brush, and a condition constituting a public nuisance as defined by Section 343.011(c)(1), (2), or (3). Sec. 342.005. VIOLATION OF ORDINANCE. The governing body of a municipality may ...
Water Restrictions
Amarillo implements water conservation measures through its water utility. The city draws from the Ogallala Aquifer, a declining water source, and may impose staged watering restrictions during drought or high-demand periods.
Amarillo Water Restrictions & Outdoor Irrigation Rules
Some RestrictionsNative Plants
Amarillo's Zoning Ordinance Chapter 4-10 includes a landscaping article with a recommended plant list (§ 4-10-1003) emphasizing drought-tolerant and regionally appropriate species suited to the Texas Panhandle climate.
Amarillo Landscaping Native and Drought-Tolerant Plant Requirements
Some RestrictionsTex. Prop. Code Sec. 202.007(a)(3)-(4), (b)-(c)
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: ... (3) implementing efficient irrigation systems, including underground drip or other drip systems; or(4) using drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf.(b) A p...
Artificial Turf
Amarillo's landscaping ordinance (Chapter 4-10, Division 6) sets minimum live-vegetation coverage requirements for new development but does not expressly ban or restrict residential artificial turf. Homeowners may install synthetic grass subject to general maintenance standards.
Amarillo Has No Specific Artificial Turf Prohibition
Few RestrictionsTex. Prop. Code Sec. 202.007(a)(4), (c), (d)(5)
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 t...
Composting
Amarillo generally permits residential backyard composting. However, compost piles that produce odors or attract vermin may be cited as a public nuisance under Chapter 8-3 of the Amarillo Code of Ordinances governing garbage and solid waste.