Willis, TX Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Texas Property Code §202.007 explicitly prohibits POAs and HOAs from banning drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving turf, though they may require a landscape plan meeting aesthetic standards. §202.010 further protects rain barrels. Montgomery County cannot regulate residential landscaping in unincorporated areas due to lack of zoning authority (Local Govt Code Ch. 231). The Woodlands Development Standards Committee (DSC) has embraced native Piney Woods species — loblolly pine, southern magnolia, American beautyberry, yaupon holly, Texas star hibiscus — as preferred landscaping and requires new home builders to preserve qualifying native trees over 6 inches DBH. Conroe Unified Development Code encourages native and drought-tolerant plants in commercial buffers. Invasive species problems in Montgomery County include Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera), Japanese climbing fern, and giant salvinia on Lake Conroe — TPWD partners with SJRA on aquatic invasive management. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center provides recommended East Texas native plant lists.