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Landscaping Rules in San Marcos, TX (2026)

3 verified landscaping rules for San Marcos, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Tree Trimming

San Marcos requires property owners to trim tree limbs overhanging the street to at least 8 feet above curb level, or the city will do it and can prosecute.

San Marcos tree limb clearance over street

Some Restrictions

Sec. 74.125

It is unlawful for the owner or occupant of any property in the city to maintain or permit limbs of trees growing on the property to overhang or grow above the area between the property line and the curb line of any abutting street, unless the limbs and all branches and foliage are kept trimmed and pruned to a minimum of eight feet above the street level at the nearest curb line.

Weed Ordinances

San Marcos caps weeds and uncultivated grass at 12 inches on any lot; taller growth is a nuisance the city can order removed, with lien-backed cost recovery for noncompliance.

San Marcos Weed and Grass Height Cap

Some Restrictions

City Code § 34.076

Weeds means grass and uncultivated vegetation, other than trees and shrubs, that exceeds 12 inches in height or that is a breeding place or harborage for mosquitoes or vermin.

Water Restrictions

San Marcos enforces four escalating drought stages under Chapter 86, Article 2, Division 2 of the city code, cutting sprinkler irrigation to one day every other week in Stage 3 and adding stricter limits at Stage 4.

San Marcos Drought Stage Watering Restrictions

Significant Restrictions

Sec. 86.062

The following measures are in effect for any period when Stage 3 of the drought response plan is in effect: (1)Waste of water is prohibited. (2)Irrigation with hose-end sprinklers and automatic sprinkler irrigation systems is allowed only one day every other week on the designated weekday before 10:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m.