Landscaping Rules in Arlington, TX (2026)
4 verified landscaping rules for Arlington, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Arlington requires a tree Preservation Plan for all development under UDC Section 5.2.3. Residential sites over one acre must preserve at least 35 percent of their tree inventory; non-residential and multi-family projects must reach a net-positive plan or mitigate by replanting or paying into the Reforestation Fund.
Arlington, Texas Tree Preservation and Mitigation for Development
Significant RestrictionsArlington Unified Development Code § 5.2.3.D.2.c (Tree Preservation and Replacement)
All non-residential development, including multi-family, shall achieve a net positive Preservation Plan. This is achieved when the Preservation Plan equals or exceeds zero tree points. In the event the Preservation Plan is less than zero tree points, the applicant shall mitigate using one or both of the following methods: (1) Newly planted trees ... three caliper inches or greater in size at th...
Weed 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
Light 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...
Native 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
Light 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 →