Arlington vs Haltom City
How do native plants rules compare between Arlington, TX and Haltom City, TX?
Arlington and Haltom City have similar restriction levels.
Arlington, TX
Tarrant County
Arlington encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping through water-conservation programs and does not restrict homeowners from replacing turf with native plants. Texas Property Code Section 202.007 prohibits HOAs from banning drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving turf. Maintained native plantings are exempt from the 12-inch weed limit if kept in an orderly condition.
View full Arlington rules →Haltom City, TX
Tarrant County
TX Property Code 202.007 bars HOAs from prohibiting drought-tolerant and native landscaping. Haltom City has no ban on native plants, provided grass height and nuisance rules are met.
View full Haltom City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Haltom City |
|---|---|---|
| City Permit | Not required | - |
| HOA Ban | Prohibited by §202.007 | - |
| Weed Ordinance | Managed natives exempt | - |
| Recommended Plants | Cenizo, muhly, salvia, yucca | - |
| Resource | Tarrant County Master Gardeners | - |
| Fact | - | HOAs cannot ban drought-tolerant landscaping under TX Property Code 202.007 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
Can my HOA require me to keep a St. Augustine lawn in Arlington?
No. Texas Property Code Section 202.007 prohibits HOAs from banning drought-resistant or water-conserving landscaping. The HOA may require a plan and impose reasonable design standards, but cannot mandate a specific thirsty turf grass.
Will I be cited for tall native grasses in my front yard?
Generally no, if the area is clearly a designed landscape feature with clean edges, mulch, or mowed borders. If the area looks neglected and mixes rank weeds like Johnson grass over 12 inches, a notice may be issued. Maintaining deliberate edges helps avoid confusion.
What are the best drought-tolerant plants for Arlington?
Good choices for the North Texas climate include Texas sage (cenizo), lantana, salvia greggii, yucca, agave, Blackfoot daisy, Gregg's mistflower, gulf muhly, little bluestem, and buffalograss. Tarrant County Master Gardeners publish free plant lists tailored to local soils.
Haltom City FAQ
Can I replace my Haltom City lawn with native prairie grass?
Yes. TX Property Code 202.007 protects this choice from HOA bans, but you must keep vegetation under 12 inches and prevent spread onto neighboring property.
Are there rebates for xeriscape in Haltom City?
Haltom City participates in regional TRWD conservation programs; check the citys Water Conservation page for current rebates and SmartScape resources.
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