Little Elm, TX Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Native Plant Restrictions
- None
- HOA Protection
- TX Property Code 202.007
- Vegetation Height Limit
- 12 inches under Ch. 34
- Ecoregion
- Blackland Prairie / Cross Timbers
- Extension Support
- Denton County Master Gardeners
Summary
No restrictions on native plants. TX Property Code 202.007 limits HOA bans on xeriscaping. Native and drought-adapted plants encouraged under NTMWD water conservation.
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: ... (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 include or enforce a provision in a dedicatory instrument requiring that a landscaping plan, including the type of mulch or ground cover to be used, be submitted to the association for review and approval to ensure to the extent practicable maximum aesthetic compatibility with other landscaping in the subdivision.
Full Breakdown
Little Elm does not have an ordinance restricting or specifically regulating native plant landscaping. Texas Property Code 202.007 prevents HOAs from prohibiting homeowners from implementing water-conserving landscaping measures including xeriscaping and drought-tolerant native plantings, though HOAs may adopt reasonable guidelines on appearance. The town's water conservation program encourages the use of native and adapted plants that require less supplemental irrigation under the twice-weekly watering schedule. Common native plants suitable for Little Elm landscapes include Texas sage, flame acanthus, blackfoot daisy, inland sea oats, and Gulf muhly grass. The Denton County Master Gardeners program and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provide native plant recommendations for the Blackland Prairie and Cross Timbers ecoregions where Little Elm is located. Native wildflower areas on residential lots must still comply with the 12-inch vegetation height limit in Chapter 34 or be maintained in a manner that does not appear as neglected growth.
Violations & Fines
No penalties for using native plants. HOAs may not ban water-conserving landscaping under TX Property Code 202.007. Native plantings exceeding 12 inches that appear as neglected vegetation may trigger Ch. 34 weed enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA require traditional turf grass instead of native plants?
Will native plant beds trigger weed enforcement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Little Elm
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Little Elm to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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Native Plants in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Denton County handle native plants.