Landscaping Rules in Tyler, TX (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Tyler, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Tyler caps uncultivated grass and weeds at 12 inches on any lot inside the city or within 5,000 feet of it. Code Enforcement can mow overgrown property, bill the owner, and place a lien.
Tyler Grass & Weed Height Limit: 12 Inches
Some RestrictionsTyler, TX, Code of Ordinances ch. 18, art. II, Sec. 18-20(b)
It is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, partnership, association of persons, owner, agent, occupant, or anyone having supervision or control of any improved lot, tract, parcel of land or portion thereof, occupied or unoccupied, within the City limits or within five thousand (5,000) feet thereof, to with criminal negligence allow uncultivated vegetation to grow to a height greater than...
Tree Trimming
Tyler homeowners can trim trees on their own single-family property without a permit, but street and park trees are city-managed. Statewide oak wilt guidance urges avoiding oak pruning February through June, when the disease spreads fastest.
Tyler Tree Trimming & Oak Wilt Timing Rules
Some RestrictionsTyler, TX, Unified Development Code ch. 10, Sec. 10-301(f)
The city will have the right to plant, prune, and maintain trees, street trees and park trees within the lines of all streets, alleys, avenues, lanes, squares, and public grounds, as may be necessary to insure public safety or to preserve or enhance the symmetry and beauty of such public grounds.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Tyler residents can remove trees on their own single-family property without a city permit. Tree-removal controls apply only to development in multifamily, commercial, office, and manufacturing zones, where clearing without a permit triggers mandatory replanting.
Tyler Tree Removal Regulations for Residents
Some RestrictionsTyler, TX, Unified Development Code ch. 10, Sec. 10-304(b)
It is unlawful to conduct a tree clearing without a valid Clearing and Grading Permit when required by this Chapter.
Weed Ordinances
Tyler's weed ordinance (Sec. 18-20) bans uncultivated vegetation over 12 inches on vacant and occupied lots citywide. Owners get notice; if ignored, the city clears the property, bills the cost, and can act again within a year without new notice.
Tyler Weed Abatement & Vacant Lot Rules
Some RestrictionsTyler, TX, Code of Ordinances ch. 18, art. II, Sec. 18-21(b)
In the original notice of violation under this Section, the City may inform the property owner that future violations on the same property that occur within one year of the date of the original notice may be corrected by the City without further notice and at the owner's expense
Water Restrictions
Tyler Water Utilities asks customers to water lawns just two days a week, before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Even-numbered addresses water Sundays and Thursdays; odd-numbered addresses water Saturdays and Wednesdays. Drought stages can make limits mandatory.
Tyler Outdoor Watering Schedule & Drought Rules
Some RestrictionsCity of Tyler, Tyler Water Utilities recommended watering schedule (Mar. 30, 2026)
Residents are asked to limit outdoor watering to two days per week, before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.... Even-numbered addresses: Sundays and Thursdays. Odd-numbered addresses: Saturdays and Wednesdays.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Tyler. Texas Property Code Sec. 202.007 bars HOAs from prohibiting rain barrels or rainwater systems, and Tax Code Sec. 151.355 exempts rainwater harvesting equipment from state sales tax.
Tyler Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Tyler encourages native and East Texas-adapted landscaping. The development code requires that plants installed to meet landscape rules be native or acclimated species from the city's approved list, and artificial plants do not qualify.
Tyler Native Plant & Landscaping Standards
Few RestrictionsTyler, TX, Unified Development Code ch. 10, Sec. 10-305(a)(1)
Plant materials must be either acceptable native plants to the Tyler area, or plants that are known to be acclimated to the East Texas region.
Artificial Turf
Tyler does not ban artificial turf on residential property, but it cannot be used to meet the city's landscape requirements. Section 10-305 states that artificial plants are not acceptable for satisfying the development landscape and tree code.
Tyler Artificial Turf Rules
Few RestrictionsTyler, TX, Unified Development Code ch. 10, Sec. 10-305(a)(5)
Artificial plants are not acceptable in satisfying this code.
Looking for Smith County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tyler city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Smith County →