Fort Worth, TX Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- HOA Preemption
- TX Prop Code 202.007
- Conservation Program
- Fort Worth Water SmartFlex
- Turf Replacement
- Rebates available
- Weed Height
- Still capped at 12 inches
- Recommended Plants
- Texas sage, muhly, bluebonnet
Summary
Fort Worth allows and encourages native xeriscape landscaping, and Texas Property Code Section 202.007 prevents HOAs from prohibiting drought-resistant plants and water-conserving turf.
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.
Full Breakdown
Fort Worth Water's SmartFlex conservation program promotes native Texas plants such as Texas sage, Turk's cap, bluebonnet, Gulf muhly, and Lindheimer's muhly as alternatives to thirsty turfgrass. The city does not require a particular landscape style for single-family homes beyond general weed height rules. Texas Property Code Section 202.007 protects homeowners from HOA restrictions that prohibit drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf installed in accordance with the HOA's reasonable aesthetic guidelines and any local ordinance. HOAs may regulate design review, plant selection from an approved list, and overall appearance, but cannot flatly ban xeriscape. New commercial developments are subject to landscape and open-space standards in the zoning ordinance, including preservation credits for native trees. Fort Worth Water offers rebates on removing water-thirsty St. Augustine lawns and replacing them with conservation landscapes.
Violations & Fines
Standard native plant installations have no city enforcement risk. HOA overreach contrary to 202.007 is enforced through civil suit, with prevailing homeowners eligible to recover attorney fees. Weed-height violations for unmaintained native yards can still apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Fort Worth HOAs require a green lawn?
Are there rebates for removing lawn in Fort Worth?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Worth
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Fort Worth to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Native Plants in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle native plants.