Arlington vs North Richland Hills
How do native plants rules compare between Arlington, TX and North Richland Hills, TX?
Arlington and North Richland Hills 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 →North Richland Hills, TX
Tarrant County
NRH supports xeriscape and native plants under TX Prop Code 202.007. Native grasses, wildflowers, and rock beds are allowed but yards must stay under the 12-inch weed-height rule.
View full North Richland Hills rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | North Richland Hills |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| State Preemption | - | TX Prop Code 202.007 |
| Allowed | - | Native grasses, xeriscape, rock |
| Weed Cap | - | 12 inches general areas |
| Ground Cover | - | Required on front yards |
| Authority | - | NRH Zoning Sec 118 |
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.
North Richland Hills FAQ
Can I replace my lawn with native grasses and wildflowers in NRH?
Yes. Xeriscape and native plant landscapes are allowed and protected by Texas Property Code 202.007, but the yard must be maintained in a neat condition to avoid weed ordinance citations.
Does NRH offer rebates for native plant conversions?
No formal city rebate program exists, but Trinity River Authority and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provide plant selection guidance and occasional regional rebates.
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