Tyler, TX Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Homeowner Mandate
- None
- Development Rule
- Native / East Texas species
- Approved List
- Planning director
- Artificial Plants
- Not accepted
- Benefit
- Fits watering schedule
Summary
Tyler encourages native and East Texas-adapted landscaping. The development code requires that plants installed to meet landscape rules be native or acclimated species from the city's approved list, and artificial plants do not qualify.
Plant materials must be either acceptable native plants to the Tyler area, or plants that are known to be acclimated to the East Texas region.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: July 2026: Including amendments through July 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Tyler has no rule forcing homeowners to use native plants, but its landscape and tree-preservation code steers new development toward them. Section 10-305 requires that all plant material installed to satisfy landscape requirements be either native to the Tyler area or a species known to be acclimated to the East Texas region, chosen to suit local soils, water availability, height limits, and shade. Trees must come from the approved list maintained by the planning director. Native and drought-tolerant plantings also help residents meet the city's two-day-a-week watering schedule. Tyler's Urban Forestry Division and Keep Tyler Beautiful promote native tree planting through annual Arbor Day events.
Violations & Fines
No penalty applies to residential plant choice. In regulated development, using non-approved or artificial plants to satisfy landscape requirements will fail inspection under Sec. 10-305.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tyler require native plants in my yard?
Where do I find approved species for Tyler?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tyler
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Tyler to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.