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
Grass Height Limits
Laredo requires grass and weeds on residential and commercial lots to stay under 12 inches. Taller vegetation is a public nuisance subject to abatement under Texas Health and Safety Code 342.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Laredo allows property owners to trim trees without a permit. Trees over rights-of-way need 8-foot sidewalk and 14-foot street clearance. Oak wilt precautions apply February through June.
Landscaping: Tree Trimming
Few RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Laredo has no general residential tree preservation ordinance. Owners may remove trees on private land without a permit, though commercial developments must meet landscape code requirements.
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Few RestrictionsWeed 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
Some 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 Utilities enforces year-round water conservation and a four-stage drought plan. Landscape irrigation is limited to designated days and evening hours. Rio Grande is the sole raw water source.
Landscaping: Water Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Laredo. Texas Tax Code 151.355 exempts equipment from sales tax. HOAs cannot prohibit harvesting per Texas Property Code 202.007.
Landscaping: Rainwater Harvesting
Few RestrictionsNative 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...