Landscaping Rules in Fort Worth, TX (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Fort Worth, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Fort Worth Code Sec. 11A-8 prohibits weeds and grass over 12 inches on any property or adjacent parkway. Code Compliance issues a notice; if the owner fails to mow, the city contracts the work at $250 plus administrative fees and places a lien on the property.
Fort Worth High Weeds and Grass
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Routine trimming of trees on private property does not require a city permit under Fort Worth's urban forestry ordinance (Zoning Sec. 6.302) as long as the tree is not removed and protected post oak or blackjack oak species are not damaged. Trimming city street trees in the right-of-way requires coordination with the City Forester.
Fort Worth Tree Trimming Rules
Few RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Fort Worth Zoning Sec. 6.302 (Urban Forestry), as amended in April 2025, requires permits to remove protected trees during development and preserves 50% of post oak and blackjack oak canopy. Criminal fines for unlawful removal are $2,000 per tree, with civil penalties up to $1,200 per diameter inch of canopy lost.
Fort Worth Tree Removal Permits
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Fort Worth Code Sec. 11A-8 prohibits weeds taller than 12 inches on any property and adjoining parkway. The city's Code Compliance Department abates violations by mowing and charging the owner $250 plus admin fees.
Fort Worth Weed Ordinance
Some RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 342.004-.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 ...
Water Restrictions
Fort Worth Water enforces a year-round twice-per-week watering schedule: odd addresses water Wednesday and Saturday, even addresses Thursday and Sunday. No sprinkler use is allowed between 10 AM and 6 PM. Violations are reported to 817-392-4477.
Fort Worth Year-Round Watering Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is encouraged in Fort Worth and specifically protected from HOA restriction by Texas Property Code Section 202.007, with no city permit required for typical residential systems.
Fort Worth Rainwater Harvesting
Few RestrictionsTex. Prop. Code Sec. 202.007(a)(2)
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-r...
Native Plants
Fort Worth allows and encourages native xeriscape landscaping, and Texas Property Code Section 202.007 prevents HOAs from prohibiting drought-resistant plants and water-conserving turf.
Fort Worth Native Plant Rules
Few RestrictionsTex. Prop. 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 rai...
Artificial Turf
Fort Worth allows artificial turf in residential front and backyards with no permit required, though HOAs may impose reasonable quality and appearance standards.
Fort Worth Artificial Turf Rules
Few RestrictionsTex. Prop. Code Sec. 202.007(c)-(d)
Sec. 202.007. ... (c) A property owners' association may restrict the type of turf used by a property owner in the planting of new turf to encourage or require water-conserving turf.(d) This section does not: ... (5) restrict a property owners' association from regulating yard and landscape maintenance if the restrictions or requirements do not restrict or prohibit turf or landscaping design...
Looking for Tarrant County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fort Worth city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Tarrant County →