Arlington, TX Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Arlington actively supports xeriscape and native landscaping as part of its water conservation strategy. Homeowners may replace traditional lawn areas with native Texas plants such as Blackfoot daisy, Gregg's mistflower, lantana, salvia greggii, Texas sage (cenizo), yucca, agave, muhly grass, little bluestem, and buffalograss without needing city approval. Texas Property Code Section 202.007 prohibits homeowners associations from enforcing covenants that ban drought-resistant landscaping, water-conserving natural turf, or xeriscape that meets reasonable design standards. HOAs may require a landscape plan to be submitted and approved, but they cannot impose a blanket prohibition. Under Arlington's nuisance ordinance, maintained native landscapes and pollinator gardens are not considered weed violations as long as the overall appearance is intentional and managed. Homeowners using tall grasses and wildflowers as intentional features should keep a clear mowed edge along sidewalks and property lines so inspectors recognize the area as a designed landscape. The Tarrant County Master Gardener and Texas Master Naturalist programs host educational events and plant lists tailored to the clay and prairie soils of the Arlington area.