Denton County, TX Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- County Requirements
- None
- HOA Limits
- Cannot ban xeriscape (TX law)
- Key Statute
- TX Property Code 202.007
- Water Savings
- 50-75% vs conventional turf
Summary
Denton County has no landscaping requirements. TX Property Code 202.007 protects drought-resistant native plants from HOA bans. No county permits needed.
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 restrict the type of turf used by a property owner in the planting of new turf to encourage or require water-conserving turf. (d-1) A property owners' association may not unreasonably deny or withhold approval of a proposed installation of drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf.
Full Breakdown
Unincorporated Denton County does not impose landscaping requirements, plant species restrictions, or turf mandates. Property owners may landscape with any plants or maintain natural vegetation. Texas Property Code 202.007 restricts HOAs from prohibiting drought-resistant landscaping and xeriscaping, providing protection for homeowners who choose native plants over conventional turf grass. Common native species suited to Denton County's blackland prairie and cross timbers ecology include little bluestem, Indiangrass, sideoats grama, purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, Texas sage, and Possumhaw holly. The Denton County Master Gardener program through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides free guidance on native plant selection for local soil types (mostly Houston Black clay in the east and sandy loam in the western cross timbers). Native plant landscapes can reduce water use by 50-75% compared to conventional St. Augustine or Bermuda turf, an important consideration in drought-prone North Texas.
Violations & Fines
No county landscaping violations. HOAs that prohibit drought-resistant landscaping may violate Texas Property Code 202.007 and face legal challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA force me to plant St. Augustine grass instead of native plants?
Where can I learn about native plants for Denton County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denton County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Denton County to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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