Arlington, TX Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- 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
Summary
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.
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: (1) implementing measures promoting solid-waste composting of vegetation, including grass clippings, leaves, or brush, or leaving grass clippings uncollected on grass; (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-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf. (b) A provision that violates Subsection (a) is void.
Full Breakdown
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. 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.
Violations & Fines
No city penalties apply to native or xeriscape landscaping that is intentionally designed and maintained. HOA restrictions banning drought-resistant landscaping are unenforceable under Texas Property Code 202.007. Neglected areas that look like overgrown weeds rather than managed native landscapes may still be cited under the 12-inch weed rule. Contact Arlington Code Compliance at (817) 459-6777 if you are issued a notice for a legitimate native planting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA require me to keep a St. Augustine lawn in Arlington?
Will I be cited for tall native grasses in my front yard?
What are the best drought-tolerant plants for Arlington?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arlington
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Arlington to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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Native Plants in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle native plants.