North Richland Hills, TX Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

North Richland Hills is an Atmos Energy and Trinity River Authority customer city subject to repeated drought response stages, and its landscape regulations reflect state policy favoring water conservation. Texas Property Code 202.007 prohibits HOAs from banning drought-resistant landscaping, xeriscape, or water-conserving turf. At the city level, NRH Zoning Ordinance Section 118 requires residential front yards to maintain ground cover, but the code permits turf alternatives such as buffalograss, bermudagrass, zoysia, native wildflower seed mixes, and decorative rock, mulch, or gravel beds provided the yard is maintained in a neat, non-overgrown condition. Tall weeds and unmaintained prairie plantings that exceed 12 inches in height can still be cited under the weeds and tall grass ordinance unless the area is a designated pollinator garden or managed meadow that the owner can document. NRH does not offer a formal xeriscape rebate, but the Trinity River Authority provides educational materials and the city encourages Texas Superstar plant selections from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Artificial turf is also allowed as an alternative (see Artificial Turf).