Landscaping Rules in Mcallen, TX (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Mcallen, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Mcallen enforces maximum grass and weed height. Overgrown properties subject to code compliance action and city abatement at owner’s expense.
Mcallen Grass Height Limits
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Mcallen may protect certain tree species. Oak wilt prevention: avoid pruning oaks February to June. Street trees are city property.
Mcallen Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Mcallen regulates tree removal on private property through permits and size thresholds. Street trees are city-managed and cannot be removed by residents.
Mcallen Tree Removal Regulations
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Mcallen enforces weed abatement for fire prevention and neighborhood maintenance. Vacant lots receive annual notices before peak growing season.
Mcallen Weed Ordinances
Some RestrictionsTexas Health and Safety Code Sec. 342.004 and Sec. 342.006 (Municipal Authority over Weeds and Abatement)
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. 342.006. WORK OR IMPROVEMENTS BY MUNICIPALITY; NOTICE. (a) If the own...
Water Restrictions
McAllen follows strict water conservation under Rio Grande water allocation managed by the Hidalgo County Irrigation District. Semi-arid Valley climate means twice-weekly watering is standard. Drought restrictions can impose total outdoor watering bans.
Mcallen Water Restrictions & Landscape Watering Rules
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Mcallen allows residential rainwater harvesting. Texas has no significant state-level restrictions on rainwater collection for personal use.
Mcallen Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsTexas Property Code Sec. 202.007 (Certain Restrictive Covenants Prohibited - Rainwater Harvesting)
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...
Native Plants
Mcallen may encourage or require native and drought-tolerant landscaping. Some areas restrict traditional grass lawns in favor of water-efficient alternatives.
Mcallen Native Plant & Xeriscape Rules
Few RestrictionsTexas Property Code Sec. 202.007(a)(4) and (c) (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: ... (4) using drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf. (b) A provision that violates Subsection (a) is void. (c) A property owners' association may restrict the...
Artificial Turf
Mcallen generally permits artificial turf installation with some requirements for drainage, appearance, and base preparation.
Mcallen Artificial Turf Regulations
Few RestrictionsTexas Property Code Sec. 202.007 (HOA Turf and Water-Conservation Landscaping Rules)
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,...
Looking for Hidalgo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Mcallen city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Hidalgo County →