Mesquite, TX Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Native and xeriscape
- Native and xeriscape landscaping allowed and encouraged
- TX Property Code
- TX Property Code 202.007 protects drought-resistant yards from HOA bans
- Measurement
- 12 inches
- HOAs may still
- HOAs may still require a submitted landscape plan
- North Texas Municipal
- North Texas Municipal Water District offers plant lists and rebates
Summary
Mesquite allows native and drought-tolerant landscaping. Texas Property Code 202.007 protects xeriscape and drought-resistant yards from blanket HOA bans.
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 property owner in the planting of new turf to encourage or require water-conserving turf.
Full Breakdown
The City of Mesquite permits and encourages native Texas plants, drought-tolerant species, and xeriscape designs as alternatives to traditional turf. The city's property maintenance code requires yards to be kept free of weeds over 12 inches and free of trash or debris, but intentional native plantings, ornamental grasses, and wildflower beds are not considered weeds when they are part of a maintained landscape design. Texas Property Code 202.007 prohibits HOAs from banning drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving turf, though HOAs may adopt reasonable design standards and require a submitted landscape plan. Recommended plants for the Mesquite area include Texas sage, lantana, blackfoot daisy, Mexican feather grass, yaupon holly, live oak, and native bur oak. Resources from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the North Texas Municipal Water District can help with plant selection and irrigation scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my front lawn with native grasses in Mesquite?
Can my HOA force me to keep a St. Augustine lawn?
Will a wildflower meadow get me cited?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mesquite
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Mesquite to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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Native Plants in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle native plants.