Landscaping Rules in Tomball, TX (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Tomball, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Tomball requires property owners to keep grass and weeds below 12 inches under Chapter 34 (Health and Sanitation) of the city code. The city enforces this through its code enforcement division and may mow properties at the owner's expense if violations are not corrected within the notice period. Repeat violations can result in liens placed on the property.
Tomball Grass Height Limits & Mowing Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsTree Trimming
Tomball requires property owners to maintain trees so they do not obstruct public sidewalks, streets, or visibility at intersections. Trees overhanging sidewalks must provide at least 8 feet of vertical clearance, and those overhanging streets must provide at least 14 feet. The city may trim or remove hazardous trees at the owner's expense if the owner fails to act after notice.
Tomball Tree Trimming & Maintenance Requirements
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Tomball does not have a heritage tree ordinance or require permits for removing trees on private residential property. Property owners may remove trees on their own land without city approval. Trees in public rights-of-way or on city property are managed by the city and cannot be removed without authorization.
Tomball Tree Removal Regulations
Few RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Tomball's Chapter 34 (Health and Sanitation) requires property owners to control weeds, rank vegetation, and unsanitary conditions on their property. Weeds and vegetation exceeding 12 inches are considered a nuisance. The city can abate the nuisance at the owner's expense and place a lien on the property for unpaid costs.
Tomball Weed Control & Property Maintenance Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 342.004, 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
Tomball implements a tiered drought contingency plan that restricts outdoor watering during shortage conditions. During normal conditions, the city encourages voluntary conservation. During mandatory drought stages, watering is limited to designated days and times. Violations during higher drought stages carry fines up to $2,000 per day. Tomball receives water from its own groundwater wells and surface water from the City of Houston.
Tomball Water Restrictions & Drought Contingency Plan
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Texas state law protects the right to collect rainwater and prohibits cities and HOAs from banning rainwater harvesting systems. Tomball has no local ordinance restricting residential rain barrel or cistern use. Property owners may collect and use rainwater for irrigation and non-potable purposes without a city permit.
Tomball Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsTexas Water Development Board - Rainwater Harvesting (Tax Code 151.355; Property Code 202.007; HB 3391)
Texas is one of only a few states in the nation that has devoted a considerable amount of attention to rainwater harvesting and has enacted many laws regulating the practice of collecting rainwater. Texas Tax Code 151.355 allows for a state sales tax exemption on rainwater harvesting equipment. Texas Property Code 202.007 prevents homeowners associations from banning rainwater harvesting instal...
Native Plants
Tomball does not mandate native plant use in residential landscaping but permits replacing traditional lawns with native or drought-tolerant species. The city's property maintenance code requires all yards to be maintained in a neat condition. Texas state law prohibits HOAs from restricting xeriscaping and drought-resistant landscaping.
Tomball Native Plants & Xeriscaping Guidelines
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Tomball does not have specific ordinances regulating artificial turf installation on residential properties. Synthetic grass is permitted as an alternative to natural lawns. Texas state law prohibits HOAs from banning water-conserving landscaping measures. The city does not offer rebates for artificial turf installation.
Tomball Artificial Turf Regulations
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: ... (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-resis...
Looking for Harris County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tomball city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Harris County →