Landscaping Rules in McKinney, TX (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for McKinney, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
McKinney limits grass and weeds to 12 inches maximum on improved lots under Chapter 42 of City Code. Code Services issues 10-day notice before city abatement and lien.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Heavy RestrictionsTree Trimming
McKinney Tree Preservation Ordinance (Zoning Chapter 146 Article V) regulates trimming of protected trees over 6 inches DBH. Routine pruning allowed; topping or removing over 25 percent of canopy requires permit.
Landscaping: Tree Trimming
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removal of protected trees (6 inches DBH and larger) in McKinney requires a Tree Removal Permit under Chapter 146 Article V. Replacement or mitigation fee into Tree Fund required.
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
McKinney Chapter 42 declares tall weeds, rank vegetation, and accumulations of objectionable matter public nuisances. Same 12-inch standard and 10-day abatement process as grass.
Landscaping: Weed Ordinances
Heavy RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 342.004-342.006
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 pu...
Water Restrictions
McKinney follows North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) year-round outdoor watering schedule: twice weekly maximum, no watering 10 AM to 6 PM April through October. Stage restrictions tighten during drought.
Landscaping: Water Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting encouraged in McKinney and protected by Texas Property Code Section 202.007 which bars HOAs from prohibiting rain barrels or cisterns. Sales tax exempt under Tax Code 151.355.
Landscaping: Rainwater Harvesting
Few RestrictionsTex. Property 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: ... (2) installing rain barrels or a rainwater harvesting system; (3) implementing efficient irrigation systems, including underground drip or other drip systems; or (4) using drought-res...
Native Plants
McKinney encourages native Texas and Blackland Prairie plants through landscape ordinances and Water Conservation rebates. New development landscape plans credit native and adapted species.
Landscaping: Native Plants
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Artificial turf allowed in McKinney single-family rear and side yards. Front-yard artificial turf subject to Zoning Chapter 146 landscape standards; some districts restrict it. HOA rules often apply and are not overridden by state law for artificial turf.
Landscaping: Artificial Turf
Some RestrictionsTex. 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, including grass clippings, leaves, or brush, or leaving grass clippings uncollected on grass;(2) installing rai...
Looking for Collin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement McKinney city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Collin County →