Haltom City, TX Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Haltom City sits in the Cross Timbers ecoregion where native species such as little bluestem, Indian grass, Texas lantana, Turks cap, Gulf muhly, American beautyberry, Mexican feather grass, and native oaks thrive with minimal supplemental water. Texas Property Code 202.007 (Senate Bill 198 and related amendments) prohibits homeowners associations from banning drought-resistant landscaping, rainwater harvesting systems, or composting, though HOAs may impose reasonable design guidelines on overall appearance. The citys 12 inch grass and weed height limit still applies to native plantings, so homeowners must manage spread and keep species from toppling over onto sidewalks. Tarrant Regional Water District operates the SmartScape Partnership and offers online plant lists and free xeriscape classes aimed at cutting outdoor water use by 30 to 50 percent. Because Haltom City caps sprinkler watering under its drought contingency plan, native and Texas-adapted species are the most practical ornamental choices. Pollinator-friendly plantings of milkweed, Texas sage, black-eyed Susan, and salvia support migrating monarch butterflies and local bees. Front-yard gardens should be designed with clear edging and maintenance paths to avoid triggering complaints about weeds or rank vegetation.