Landscaping Rules in Arlington, TX (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Arlington, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Arlington prohibits weeds, grass, and uncultivated vegetation from exceeding 12 inches on any residential or commercial property. Property owners must maintain lawns, parkways, and alleys adjacent to their property. The city pursues high-weed complaints aggressively during the hot summer growing season when rapid growth is common.
Arlington Grass Height Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsTree Trimming
Arlington requires property owners to trim trees so that branches clear public sidewalks by at least 8 feet and public streets by at least 14 feet. Trees overhanging alleys must not obstruct solid waste trucks. Trimming of trees on private property generally does not require a permit, but protected and heritage trees on development sites are regulated.
Arlington Tree Trimming Requirements
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Arlington's tree preservation ordinance regulates removal of protected trees on non-single-family development sites. Single-family homeowners generally may remove trees on their own property without a permit. Removal of trees in street rights-of-way or on commercial, multifamily, and new-construction sites requires approval and may trigger mitigation plantings.
Arlington Tree Removal Rules
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Arlington prohibits property owners from allowing weeds, rank vegetation, or noxious plants to grow above 12 inches anywhere on their lot. The nuisance-vegetation ordinance also targets brush piles and overgrown vacant lots that attract rodents and snakes. Enforcement runs year-round but peaks in the hot, humid summer months.
Arlington Weed and Nuisance Vegetation Rules
Heavy 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 puni...
Water Restrictions
Arlington enforces year-round twice-per-week outdoor watering limits, with additional Stage 1 through Stage 4 drought restrictions triggered by Tarrant Regional Water District conditions at Lake Arlington and other regional reservoirs. Watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. from April through October to reduce evaporation in the North Texas heat.
Arlington Outdoor Water Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is strongly encouraged in Arlington and protected by Texas Property Code Section 202.007, which prohibits HOAs from banning rain barrels and cistern systems that meet reasonable aesthetic standards. Texas Water Code Chapter 11 confirms that rainwater captured on your property is yours to use. Arlington offers rebates and educational programs.
Arlington Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Arlington encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping through water-conservation programs and does not restrict homeowners from replacing turf with native plants. Texas Property Code Section 202.007 prohibits HOAs from banning drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving turf. Maintained native plantings are exempt from the 12-inch weed limit if kept in an orderly condition.
Arlington Native and Xeriscape Landscaping
Few RestrictionsTexas Property Code Sec. 202.007 (Certain Restrictive Covenants Prohibited — Drought-Resistant Landscaping)
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
Arlington does not ban residential artificial turf but may regulate its use through zoning in front-yard landscape areas and drainage standards. HOAs often restrict artificial turf, though Texas courts have generally not extended Property Code 202.007 to artificial turf. Quality commercial-grade products with proper drainage typically meet city landscape requirements.
Arlington Artificial Turf Rules
Some 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...
Looking for Tarrant County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Arlington city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Tarrant County →