Tomball, TX Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Tomball's municipal code does not include specific native plant requirements or xeriscape mandates for residential properties. Property owners may landscape with native or drought-tolerant species without city approval. The city's property maintenance provisions require that yards remain maintained and free of excessive weeds and dead vegetation, so native plantings must appear intentional and well-kept. Texas Property Code Section 202.007(d) prohibits HOAs from restricting owners from implementing xeriscaping or installing drought-resistant landscaping that conforms to the HOA's design standards. This prevents HOAs from mandating traditional turf grass. Tomball is located in the Gulf Coast Prairie ecological region with native species well-suited to the area including Gulf muhly grass, Eastern gamagrass, inland sea oats, Turk's cap, flame acanthus, American beautyberry, and various native sedges. The area's heavy clay soils and subtropical climate with approximately 50 inches of annual rainfall support a diverse range of native plants. Rain gardens and bioswales using native plants can help manage stormwater on residential lots, which is beneficial given Tomball's flood risk from Spring Creek.