Taylor, TX Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Because Taylor experiences frequent drought, article II of chapter 28 is written to encourage drought-resistant, water-thrifty landscaping rather than mandate any single method. Sec. 28-27(a) recommends plants native to Central Texas, prohibits invasive species outright, and attaches a preferred plant list as appendix A, dominated by native, low-water evergreen and deciduous trees such as live oak, cedar elm, and burr oak. On irrigation, Sec. 28-28(c)(1) normally requires an automatic underground system, conventional spray, bubbler, drip, or leaky-pipe, to keep required plant material alive. Subsection (c)(1)c carves out an exception for xeriscape installations, including areas planted with native grasses, wildflowers, and trees: these may use a temporary, above-ground watering system instead of a permanent underground one, provided irrigation is still supplied for the first three growing seasons while the planting establishes.

Subsection (c)(2) goes further for land that construction does not disturb: no irrigation at all is required for undisturbed natural areas or undisturbed existing trees, and Sec. 1, so long as at least 100 square feet, or half the crown area, around the tree is left alone. Together the sections reward keeping or planting native, low-water vegetation over installing new irrigated turf.