Landscaping Rules in Laredo, TX (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Laredo, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Laredo requires property owners to keep tree limbs trimmed to at least eight feet above the curb line wherever they overhang a street or sidewalk. Sec. 19-29 makes it unlawful to let branches or foliage block that clearance, and the city traffic manager can order corrective trimming or remove the obstruction directly.
Laredo Requires 8-Foot Tree Clearance Over Streets
Some RestrictionsLaredo Code of Ordinances Sec. 19-29(c), (f)
(c)It shall be unlawful for any person to place or maintain, or cause to be placed or maintained, any tree on or in that portion of any corner lot in the city, which portion is included in the triangle described in (b) above, unless all limbs, branches and foliage on the tree are kept trimmed and pruned to a minimum clearance of eight (8) feet above the level of the nearest curbline or to such ...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Laredo protects every tree on public land with a trunk caliper of eight inches or more under LDC Section 24-83.5. Removing, damaging, or cutting a protected tree without Tree Board approval is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 per violation, and the Board can require replacement trees before signing off on removal.
Laredo Protected Tree Removal Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsLaredo Land Development Code Section 24-83.5, 24-83.7
(1)All trees on public land within the city limits of Laredo with a caliper of eight (8) inches shall be considered protected trees.(2)Removal of Protected Trees.(a)No person or corporation shall remove or cause the removal of any protected tree on public land without first securing approval from the Tree Board as provided in subsections (i) and (ii)... Section 24-83.7 - VIOLATION AND PENALTY (...
Weed Ordinances
Laredo requires lots be kept free of rank weeds and tall grass over 12 inches. Code Enforcement issues 10-day abatement notices and may mow and lien under Texas Health and Safety Code 342.
Landscaping: Weed Ordinances
Light RestrictionsTexas Health and Safety Code Sec. 342.004 (Municipal Power Concerning Weeds) and Sec. 342.005
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 puni...
Water Restrictions
Laredo caps landscape sprinkler irrigation at three days a week year-round, before 8:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m. on days set by your address's last digit. Drought stages cut watering to twice or once weekly, enforced with escalating fines.
Laredo Lawn Watering Restrictions: Designated Days and Hours
Some RestrictionsLaredo Code of Ordinances § 31-238 (Designated drought response stages and water use reduction measures), Ord. No. 2024-O-095
Landscape watering with an irrigation system, sprinkler or soaker hose is allowed only three (3) times a week before 8:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m. on your designated watering day, as determined by the last digit of your address. Customers with an address ending in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) are only allowed to water … on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Customers with an address ending in ...
Rainwater Harvesting
Laredo's water conservation ordinance bars any property owners' association from enforcing a deed restriction that prohibits a homeowner from installing rain barrels or a rainwater harvesting system. HOAs keep narrow control over color, placement and screening, but they cannot ban the devices outright.
Laredo Protects Rain Barrels From HOA Bans
Light RestrictionsLaredo Code of Ordinances Sec. 31-217(c)(2), (d), (f)(6)-(7)
(c)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; ... (f)This section does not: ...(6)Require a property owners' association to permit a rain barrel or rainwater harvesting system to be installed in or on property if:a.The property ...
Native Plants
Laredo encourages xeriscape and native South Texas plants to reduce Rio Grande water demand. The city offers turf-conversion rebates and HOAs cannot prohibit drought-tolerant landscaping.
Landscaping: Native Plants
Few RestrictionsTexas Property Code Sec. 202.007 (Restrictive Covenants — Drought-Resistant Landscaping Protected)
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
Artificial turf is allowed in Laredo residential yards. HOAs cannot prohibit water-conserving turf substitutes per Texas Property Code 202.007. Installations must drain properly.
Landscaping: Artificial Turf
Few RestrictionsTexas Property Code Sec. 202.007 (Certain Restrictive Covenants Prohibited)
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; (2) installing rain barrels or a rainwater harvesting system; (3) implementing efficient irrigation systems, includ...
Composting
Laredo allows composting as part of its urban agriculture program, but Sec. 13-86 sets real limits: the compost area must be contained, kept free of offensive odors and vermin, and positioned so it is not visible from neighboring properties. Synthetic inputs are prohibited citywide, and no zoning change or special-use permit is needed to start.
Laredo Backyard Composting Area Standards
Light RestrictionsLaredo Code of Ordinances Sec. 13-86(b)-(e)
(b)Home gardens, community gardens, and district gardens may utilize the practice of hydroponics, aquaponics, and composting.(c)Establishment of home gardens, community gardens, and district gardens is not contingent upon changing present zoning or obtaining special use permits for each site.(d)The use of synthetic inputs is prohibited.(e)Composting area must be contained, must be maintained as...