Haltom City, TX Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Fact
- HOAs cannot ban drought-tolerant landscaping under TX Property Code 202.007
- Fact
- Cross Timbers ecoregion supports many native Texas species
- Fact
- TRWD SmartScape program offers plant lists and classes
- Fact
- 12 inch grass height rule still applies to unruly plantings
- Fact
- Native xeriscape can cut outdoor water use 30 to 50 percent
Summary
TX Property Code 202.007 bars HOAs from prohibiting drought-tolerant and native landscaping. Haltom City has no ban on native plants, provided grass height and nuisance rules are met.
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.(c) A property owners' association may restrict the type of turf used by a proper
Full Breakdown
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. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my Haltom City lawn with native prairie grass?
Are there rebates for xeriscape in Haltom City?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Haltom City
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Haltom City 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.