Landscaping Rules in Carrollton, TX (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Carrollton, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Carrollton requires property owners to keep tree limbs trimmed back from streets and walkways. City Code § 95.02 sets minimum clearances: 12 feet above any alley or street pavement, seven feet above sidewalks and other rights-of-way, and 10 feet above a driveway, with violations treated as unlawful vegetation nuisances under a 2024 ordinance update.
Carrollton Tree Clearance Over Streets
Some RestrictionsCarrollton, TX Code of Ordinances § 95.02(C), (D), (F)
(C) It shall be unlawful for any owner or occupant of any property within the city to suffer or permit tree limbs, brush, or unsightly vegetation to grow within one foot of the public street or alley adjacent to the property for any tree limbs, brush, or vegetation which hangs lower than 12 feet above the alley or street pavement. (D) It shall be unlawful for any owner or occupant of any proper...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Carrollton requires a tree removal permit before anyone cuts down, destroys, moves or damages a protected tree, per City Code Chapter 155. A protected tree is any listed species with a trunk 4 inches or more in diameter measured 4.5 feet above ground. Permits run through the City Manager's office and expire after 12 months.
Carrollton Tree Removal Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsCarrollton, TX Code of Ordinances § 155.07(A)
No person, directly or indirectly, shall cut down, destroy, remove or move, or effectively destroy through damaging, any tree without first obtaining a tree removal permit, unless otherwise specified in this chapter. The application for a tree removal permit shall be submitted on a form provided by the city. Permits may be issued with verification that the protected tree is damaged or diseased.
Weed Ordinances
Carrollton limits grass, weeds, brush and unsightly vegetation to 10 inches on ordinary lots and 12 inches within a 10-foot buffer on agricultural land under City Code § 95.02, rewritten by Ordinance 4204 on May 21, 2024. The Designated City Official, the City Manager's office, enforces the cap on every occupied or unoccupied parcel across the city's Dallas, Denton and Collin County territory, and prosecutors need not prove intent to convict.
Carrollton Grass and Weed Height Limit
Some RestrictionsCarrollton City Code § 95.02(A)-(B)
It shall be unlawful for any owner or occupant of any real property, that is not an agricultural operations property, or a portion thereof, occupied or unoccupied, within the city to permit grass, weeds, brush or unsightly vegetation to grow thereon to a height greater than 10 inches. ... It shall be unlawful for any owner or occupant of any agricultural operations property, or a portion thereo...
Water Restrictions
Carrollton's Code of Ordinances Section 52.093(A)(2) bars irrigation that sends runoff more than 50 feet down a street or alley, watering during rain or snow, or running sprinklers below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Every irrigation system installed since October 1, 2005 must carry a working rain and freeze sensor under Section 52.093(B)(1).
Carrollton Irrigation and Sprinkler Restrictions
Some RestrictionsCarrollton, TX Code of Ordinances § 52.093(A)(2), (B)(1)
(2) A person commits an offense if he/she irrigates, waters, or causes or allows the irrigation or watering of lawn or landscape located on any property owned, leased, or managed by that person in such a manner that causes: (a) A constant stream of water onto a street or alley in excess of 50 feet from the property, or (b) Irrigating lawn or landscape during any form of precipitation. This incl...
Rainwater Harvesting
Carrollton charges a $25.00 permit fee for rainwater harvesting systems under the general code's Comprehensive Fee Schedule, and state law separately protects your right to install rain barrels. Tex. Prop. Code Sec. 202.007 voids any HOA covenant that bans rain barrels or a rainwater harvesting system, though the association can still regulate siting, screening and appearance.
Carrollton Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Some RestrictionsTex. Prop. Code § 202.007(a)(2), (b), (d)(6)
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... (b) A provision that violates Subsection (a) is void. (d) This section does not: ... (6) require a property owners' assoc...
Native Plants
Carrollton may encourage or require native and drought-tolerant landscaping. Some areas restrict traditional grass lawns in favor of water-efficient alternatives.
Carrollton Native Plant & Xeriscape Rules
Few RestrictionsTex. Property Code Sec. 202.007(a)
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
Texas Property Code Section 202.007 stops a Carrollton homeowners association from banning drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf, but it never mentions artificial or synthetic turf. Subsection (c) lets an HOA restrict the type of turf you plant to require water-conserving turf, so whether fake grass is allowed in your yard comes down to your subdivision's own declaration, not this statute.
Carrollton Artificial Turf Yard Rules
Some RestrictionsTex. Prop. Code § 202.007(a)-(c), (e)
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...
Looking for Dallas County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Carrollton city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Dallas County →