Landscaping Rules in Dallas, TX (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Dallas, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Dallas Code Section 18-13 prohibits allowing weeds or grass to exceed 12 inches on any occupied or unoccupied premises. The city may mow at the owner's expense and lien the property if the violation is not corrected.
Dallas Grass Height Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsTree Trimming
Dallas Code Section 18-14.1 requires property owners to keep vegetation from projecting over streets below 15 feet or over sidewalks below 8 feet. Article X of Chapter 51A regulates tree preservation on development sites.
Dallas Tree Trimming Regulations
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Dallas Development Code Chapter 51A, Article X (Landscape and Tree Conservation Regulations), Division 51A-10.130 regulates tree removal citywide. A tree removal application is required before removing protected trees. The ordinance applies to all property except lots under 2 acres with single-family or duplex uses. Removed trees must be replaced per the tree replacement schedule, or alternative compliance methods (conservation easements, fee-in-lieu) may be used under Sec. 51A-10.135.
Dallas Tree Preservation Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Dallas Sections 18-13 and 18-14 require property owners to keep weeds below 12 inches and prevent vegetation from becoming a nuisance or fire hazard. Code Compliance handles enforcement through Dallas 311.
Dallas Weed Control Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsTexas Health & Safety Code Chapter 342 - Public Health Provisions
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).
Water Restrictions
Dallas water customers are subject to watering restrictions typically limiting irrigation to twice per week on designated days. Watering during rain, causing runoff onto streets, and watering between 10 AM and 6 PM during summer months are prohibited.
Dallas Landscape Watering Restrictions
Some RestrictionsRainwater 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 ...
Composting
Dallas Sanitation Services allows backyard composting of yard and kitchen scraps without a permit, and offers occasional compost bin giveaways. There is no Dallas ordinance mandating residential composting or food scrap separation, unlike California SB 1383 organics-recycling requirements.
Backyard Composting in Dallas
Few RestrictionsLooking for Dallas County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Dallas city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Dallas County →