Landscaping Rules in Lubbock, TX (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Lubbock, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Lubbock limits grass and weeds to 12 inches maximum on residential and vacant lots. Violations trigger a notice to mow, followed by city abatement and a property lien if the owner does not comply.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Lubbock does not require a permit to prune trees on private residential property. Trees overhanging public rights-of-way must be kept clear to 8 feet over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets. Oak wilt precautions are advised February through June.
Landscaping: Tree Trimming
Few RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Lubbock does not require a permit to remove trees from private residential property. Trees in the public right-of-way or parkway strip require city approval before removal.
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Few RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Lubbock prohibits rank weeds, tumbleweeds, and noxious vegetation taller than 12 inches on residential and vacant lots. Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 71 designates several state noxious weeds that landowners must control.
Landscaping: Weed Ordinances
Some RestrictionsTex. Agric. Code Sec. 71.001
Sec. 71.001. QUARANTINES AGAINST OUT-OF-STATE DISEASES AND PESTS. If the department determines that a dangerous insect pest or plant disease new to and not widely distributed in this state exists in any area outside the state, the department shall establish a quarantine against the infested area at the boundaries of the state or in other areas within the state. Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1151, ...
Water Restrictions
Lubbock operates a tiered Drought Contingency Plan. Stage 1 limits outdoor watering to twice per week based on address; higher stages reduce or ban outdoor irrigation. No watering between 10 AM and 6 PM April 1 through September 30.
Landscaping: Water Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Texas strongly encourages rainwater harvesting. Homeowners may install rain barrels and cisterns without a city permit for non-potable outdoor use. Larger systems connected to potable plumbing require a licensed installer and backflow prevention.
Landscaping: Rainwater Harvesting
Few RestrictionsTWDB Innovative Water Technologies — Rainwater Harvesting (citing Tex. Tax Code 151.355; Tex. Prop. Code 202.007; HB 3391)
For centuries, people have relied on rainwater harvesting to supply water for household, landscape, livestock, and agricultural uses. Before the advent of large centralized water supply systems, rainwater was collected from roofs and stored on site in tanks known as cisterns. With the development of large, reliable water treatment and distribution systems and more affordable well drilling equip...
Native Plants
Lubbock encourages xeriscape and native West Texas plantings through Water Utilities educational programs. No ordinance mandates native plants, but drought-tolerant species are strongly recommended and not restricted by the city.
Landscaping: Native Plants
Few RestrictionsTex. Prop. Code Sec. 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 b...
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is allowed on residential property in Lubbock. Texas Property Code Section 202.007 prevents HOAs from unreasonably restricting drought-resistant and synthetic landscaping. No city permit is required for residential turf installation.
Landscaping: Artificial Turf
Few RestrictionsTex. Prop. Code Sec. 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 rai...