Landscaping Rules in Dallas, TX (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Dallas, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Dallas requires property owners to keep trees and other vegetation trimmed back from the right-of-way: at least 15 feet of clearance over an alley or street and 8 feet over a sidewalk. Letting branches, shrubs or vines project into that space below those heights is a criminal offense under Chapter 18 of the city code.
Dallas Tree Clearance Over Streets and Sidewalks
Some RestrictionsDallas City Code Sec. 18-14.1
(a) An owner, occupant, or person in control of any private premises abutting an alley, street, or sidewalk within the city commits an offense if he allows any vegetation, including, but not limited to, trees, shrubbery, bushes, and vines, to grow on the premises so as to project across the property line over or into the right-of-way of the alley, street, or sidewalk. (b) It is a defense to p...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removing or seriously injuring a protected tree in Dallas requires either a building permit or an approved tree removal application posted at the property under Sec. 51A-10.132, reviewed by the building official against public-interest factors like the tree's health and whether the project could be redesigned to save it. Skipping that review is a separate criminal offense for every tree involved.
Dallas Protected Tree Removal Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsDallas Development Code Sec. 51A-10.132
(a) Tree removal application and posting. (1) Except as provided in this subsection, a responsible party must post either an approved tree removal application in accordance with this section or a building permit in a conspicuous place at the entrances to the tree removal property, before removing or seriously injuring a protected tree on that tree removal property. ... (d) Separate ...
Weed Ordinances
Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 342 gives Dallas the power to make property owners cut their weeds, and Sec. 342.008 lets the city skip advance notice entirely and mow weeds over 48 inches tall on the spot if they are an immediate danger to health or safety. Dallas backs this with its own 12-inch nuisance limit under City Code Sec. 18-13, plus fines running from $50 to $2,000 per offense.
Texas Chapter 342 Lets Dallas Abate Dangerous Weeds
Some RestrictionsTexas Health & Safety Code Sec. 342.008
(a) A municipality may abate, without notice, weeds that: (1) have grown higher than 48 inches; and (2) are an immediate danger to the health, life, or safety of any person. (b) Not later than the 10th day after the date the municipality abates weeds under this section, the municipality shall give notice to the property owner in the manner required by Section 342.006. ... (d) The municip...
Water Restrictions
Dallas bans lawn and landscape irrigation between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. from April 1 through October 31 under City Code Section 49-21.1, and year-round restricts sprinkler and automatic-system watering to a designated outdoor watering day tied to the property's address. Automatic systems must carry a working rain and freeze sensor.
Dallas Lawn Watering Day Restrictions
Some RestrictionsDallas City Code Sec. 49-21.1
(b) Lawn and landscape irrigation restrictions. (1) A person commits an offense if, during the period from April 1 through October 31 of any year and between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on any day during that period, the person irrigates, waters, or causes or permits the irrigation or watering of any lawn or landscape located on premises owned, leased, or managed by the person. ... (c...
Rainwater Harvesting
Texas state law explicitly encourages rainwater harvesting and prohibits local governments from banning the practice. Dallas residents using non-potable water (rainwater, well water, or greywater) for irrigation are exempt from the city's twice-weekly watering schedule. If a permanently installed rainwater collection system is used, a building permit is required and a small purple sign indicating non-potable water use must be displayed.
Dallas Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsTexas Property Code Sec. 202.007 - Property Owners’ Association Cannot Restrict Rainwater Harvesting
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 bar...
Native Plants
Dallas encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping through its Save Dallas Water program and water conservation ordinance. The city's watering restrictions (no more than twice weekly, no watering 10 AM-6 PM April through October) incentivize native plantings that need less irrigation. Article X of the Development Code (Ch. 51A) includes landscaping requirements for commercial development that can be met with native species. Texas HB 517 limits HOA fines during water restriction periods.
Dallas Native Plant & Xeriscape Rules
Few RestrictionsTexas Property Code Sec. 202.007 - 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 bar...
Artificial Turf
Dallas does not have a specific ordinance regulating or prohibiting artificial turf installation on residential properties. Water conservation policies encourage alternatives to traditional turfgrass, including artificial turf and xeriscaping. Texas state law generally limits HOA authority to ban water-conserving landscaping methods. Artificial turf may be subject to Article X landscaping standards in commercial developments.
Dallas Artificial Turf Regulations
Few RestrictionsTexas Property Code Chapter 202 - Restrictive Covenants
Sec. 202.020. CERTAIN SALES OF BEVERAGES BY CHILDREN. (a) A property owners' association of a residential subdivision may not adopt or enforce a restrictive covenant that prohibits or regulates, including by requiring a permit or fee, the occasional sale of lemonade or other nonalcoholic beverages from a stand on property located in the subdivision by an individual younger than 18 years of age ...
Looking for Dallas County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Dallas city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Dallas County →