Landscaping Rules in Houston, TX (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Houston, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Houston requires grass to be maintained at 9 inches or less under §10-453 of the Code of Ordinances. Violations escalate from $50 to $2,000. Grass over 48 inches is declared an immediate danger and may be abated without notice, with costs liened.
Houston Grass Height & Property Maintenance Ordinance
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Houston's Tree and Shrub Ordinance (Chapter 33, Article V) protects certain trees and sets minimum planting requirements for development. Trees in the public right-of-way are protected. Dead trees must be removed or face $200 to $2,000 fines.
Houston Tree & Shrub Ordinance (Chapter 33)
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Houston Code Chapter 33, Art. VI (Protection of Certain Trees) requires permits for removing protected trees. Tree removal/trimming permits are processed by the Urban Forestry Division with a $90 per diameter inch fine for unauthorized removal of protected trees.
Houston Tree Removal Regulations
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Houston prohibits overgrown weeds under §10-453. Property owners must maintain grass at 9 inches or less and brush at 7 feet or less. Open storage of debris, junk, and rubbish on lots is also prohibited.
Houston Weed & Vegetation Ordinance
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Houston enforces water conservation through a tiered Drought Contingency Plan under Chapter 47, Article VII. Stage 1 limits outdoor watering to twice weekly between 7 PM and 8 AM. Stage 2 assigns specific days by address. Drip irrigation is typically exempt.
Houston Water Conservation & Irrigation Rules
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Houston does not restrict residential rainwater harvesting. Texas Property Code Sec. 202.007 protects homeowners' right to install rain barrels and rainwater harvesting systems, prohibiting HOAs from banning these devices.
Houston Rainwater Harvesting Regulations
Few RestrictionsTex. Property Code § 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:(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
Texas Property Code Sec. 202.007 protects homeowners' rights to install drought-resistant landscaping and water-conserving natural turf. Houston does not restrict native plant landscaping and encourages water conservation through its municipal programs.
Houston Native Plant and Xeriscaping Regulations
Few RestrictionsTex. Property Code § 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:(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
Houston has no municipal restrictions on residential artificial turf installation. Texas Property Code Sec. 202.007 protects 'water-conserving natural turf' but is ambiguous on artificial turf, leaving HOAs some authority to regulate synthetic grass installations.
Houston Artificial Turf Regulations
Few RestrictionsTex. Property Code § 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:(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...
Composting
Backyard composting permitted in Houston. No Texas mandate for organic diversion. Houston Solid Waste provides green waste collection.
Houston Composting Rules
Few RestrictionsLooking for Harris County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Houston city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Harris County →