Baytown, TX Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Baytown's code of ordinances does not include specific native plant requirements or xeriscape mandates for residential properties. However, the city's property maintenance provisions require that yards remain in a maintained condition free of excessive weeds and dead vegetation. Replacing a traditional lawn with native Gulf Coast prairie grasses, wildflowers, or drought-tolerant species is permitted as long as the landscaping appears intentional and maintained. Texas Property Code Section 202.007(d) prohibits HOAs from restricting owners from implementing xeriscaping or installing drought-resistant landscaping that conforms to the HOA's design standards. This means HOAs cannot require specific percentages of turf grass. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension recommends native species for the Upper Gulf Coast region including Gulf muhly grass, inland sea oats, Turk's cap, flame acanthus, and various native sedges. These species are well suited to Baytown's heavy clay soils and subtropical climate with average annual rainfall of 54 inches. Rain gardens using native plants can help manage stormwater on residential lots, which is beneficial given Baytown's flood-prone geography in the San Jacinto River watershed.